If your New Year's resolution is to get outdoors or try something new, then come to the "Town Creek Under the Stars" program Saturday, Jan. 16, 5:30-10 p.m. The Town Creek Indian Mound State Historic Site program will examine the first quarter moon which will be situated high in the sky with the constellations Pisces, Aries and Taurus.
"Bring along that new telescope or set of binoculars you received over the holidays," says Site Manager Rich Thompson, "and the staff at Town Creek will get you set up and ready to begin stargazing."
Other celestial objects, such as nebulas, clusters and galaxies will be available for viewing also. Interested stargazers should dress for the weather. The staff will have a scope available if visitors do not have one. Advanced registration is requested by calling or emailing the site. This event is free and open to the public but donations are welcome. Please contact the site to register at (910) 439-6802 or email towncreek@ncdcr.gov and plan to enjoy other stargazing events through this year.
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 Mondays and most major holidays.
The historic site is within the Division of State Historic Sites of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, and located at 509 Town Creek Mound Road, Mount Gilead, N.C, 27306. For more information on Town Creek, visit www.towncreekindianmound.com.