An "Archaeology Lab Show-and-Tell" workshop has been scheduled for children at the Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex from 2-4 p.m. March 22.
While the program is intended for students between the third and sixth grades, visitors of all ages are invited to attend.
Andrea Keller, cultural program coordinator, said participants will learn how archaeologists use clues such as stone tools, bone and bits of charcoal to study what life was like for West Virginia's prehistoric people. Actual artifacts found in West Virginia, as well as sample items, will be available for examination. Arrowheads, spear points and pieces of pottery will be on display.
Keller said this is the first time a workshop of this nature has been held at the Grave Creek Complex.
"It will help to show just exactly what archaeologists do," she said. "The big part of the story is not in the dig itself but what is done in the lab."
Students will be challenged to test their own observational skills by identifying a set of mystery artifacts. In addition they will be able to make a plaster cast of an artifact to take home. Keller said archaeologists often use casts of rare or fragile artifacts for museum exhibits, educational use or to send to colleagues who may wish to study a rare or unique item.
In addition students will be able to view exhibits that interpret the Adena people, who built Grave Creek Mound, and weather permitting, climb the stone steps to the top of the mound.
Pre-registration is required by calling the complex at 304-843-4128 ext. 202 or by e-mail at [email protected]. A small materials fee will be charged to ensure enough supplies for each participant. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
The Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex is operated by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History. It features one of the largest and most famous burial mounds built by the prehistoric Adena people. It was constructed in successive stages from about 250-150 B.C. and required the movement of more than 60,000 tons of earth.
The complex is located at 801 Jefferson Ave., in Moundsville. Exhibits and displays in the museum interpret what is known about the lives of the Adena People and the construction of the mound. The museum is free and open to the public 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Access to the mound closes 30 minutes before the museum.
Source: The Intelligencer
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