This is the last batch of photos from your PopCulteer’s late-August trip to The Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex in Moundsville, West Virginia. The most prominent feature of Grave Creek is the gigantic conical burial mound constructed by the prehistoric Native American cultural group termed the Adena by archaeologists. To the right you see life-size representations of those Adena folks.
Along with the exhibits on West Virginia industries and prehistoric animals, a large portion of the Delf Norona Museum, located at The Complex, is devoted to the study of The Adena people, complete with artifacts, scale dioramas, videos and a full-size replica of an Adena Hut.
The Grave Creek Mound is one of the largest Adena mounds and, of course is the namesake of Moundsville. A massive undertaking, the total effort required the movement of more than 57,000 tons of sand and earth. Construction of the mound took place from about 250-150 B.C. and included multiple burials at different levels within the structure.
The museum exhibits tell the full story of the construction of the mound and it’s excavations and efforts to preserve the history of the Adena people.
Exhibits interpreting the lifeways of the Adena people are displayed in the Delf Norona Museum. Named after an amateur archaeologist and founding member of the West Virginia Archeological Society who advocated preservation of the mound, the Delf Norona Museum opened in December of 1978. The museum was designed with a natural brick façade and gabled skylights as an architectural tribute to the prehistoric past.
These photos are all from the Upper Gallery Exhibit Area, and include that replica circular wooden structure along with loads of other examples of Adena life. Check out the photos…
The Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. It’s closed Sundays and Mondays. Admission to the museum is free. You can find The Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex at 801 Jefferson Avenue in Moundsville, West Virginia, right across the street from the giant Medievel-looking former West Virginia State Penitentiary.
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