Fun and games will abound as Town Creek Indian Mound celebrates the birthday of Dr. Joffre Coe, Saturday, July 9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Coe, "the godfather of North Carolina archaeology," taught the art and science of research in the dirt and did groundbreaking work at Town Creek more than 80 years ago.
"If not for Dr. Coe's passion for discovery and learning," says Site Manager Rich Thompson, "we would not have such a complete history of American Indians in North Carolina."
Games and activities for kids as well as living history demonstrations will fill the day. For a special treat, cake will be served during a birthday sing-a-long for Dr. Coe at 1 p.m. at this free event.
For more than 1,000 years, American Indians farmed lands later known as North Carolina. Around A.D. 1000, a new cultural tradition arrived in the Pee Dee River Valley. Throughout Georgia, South Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and western and southern Piedmont North Carolina, inhabitants built earthen mounds for their leaders, engaged in widespread trade, supported craftspeople and celebrated a new religion.
The mission of Town Creek is to interpret the history of the American Indians who once lived here. The visitor center features interpretive exhibits and audiovisual displays. A national historic landmark, Town Creek Indian Mound State Historic Site is North Carolina's only state historic site dedicated to American Indian heritage.
Tour groups are welcome and encouraged. The site is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. It is closed to the public Mondays and most major holidays. The historic site is within the Division of State Historic Sites and located at 509 Town Creek Mound Road, Mount Gilead, N.C., 27306. For more information on Town Creek, visit www.towncreekindianmound.com.