The North Carolina Office of State Archaeology will hold a Public Archaeology Day at the Wire Pasture Access of Lumber River State Park on Saturday, April 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Wire Pasture is located at 11765 US 74 Highway W, Maxton, N.C.
The free event will feature talks at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the history of the Wire Pasture property and the practice of archaeology, informational stations including artifact identification and processing, and children’s activities. Visitors will also be able to witness live archaeological excavation, and handle artifacts collected from the property.
In 1986 several archaeological sites were identified on the Wire Pasture property through the recovery of artifacts found on the ground surface. The artifacts found at the time indicate that the property contains cultural components dating from several eras, from the Early Archaic Period (9,500 to 8,000 years ago) to as recently as the nineteenth century. The artifacts include chipped stone tools and flakes, low-fired earthenware and imported glazed pottery fragments, nails, and pieces of brick.
The Office of State Archaeology will conduct an archaeological survey at the Lumber River State Park Wire Pasture access area from April 23 through April 27. Visitor facilities are proposed for this location, and the survey work will enable the Office of State Archaeology to assist State Parks in determining whether significant archaeological sites may be impacted by the proposed development.