Preservation News

Updated 3/29/06

Division announces plans to build archaeological collections facility at Grave Creek Mound Archaeology Complex in Moundsville
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History (WVDCH) has announced plans to build a facility to house the state’s archaeological collections. The new facility will be constructed over the next two years at Grave Creek Mound Archaeology Complex in Moundsville.
According to Troy O. Body, WVDCH commissioner, the new one-story, 9,000-square-foot wing will be added to the northeast corner of the complex’s museum. In addition to a state-of-the-art collections storage area, Body said the new facility will feature conservation labs for curators and a study area for researchers. Currently, there are no state or federal repositories in West Virginia suitable for storing archaeological materials.
“This new wing at Grave Creek will address the urgent need for a facility to properly store the state’s archaeological collections,” said Body. “We have an obligation to protect these priceless artifacts for future generations, and have carefully planned the new addition to accommodate both the current collection and its anticipated growth over the next 20 years.”
The West Virginia Legislature has allocated $2.1 million for the collections facility, which is slated for completion in 2006.
For more information about the archaeological collections facility at Grave Creek Mound Archaeology Complex call (304) 843-4128.
Operated by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History, Grave Creek Mound Archaeology Complex features one of the largest and most famous burial mounds built by the prehistoric Adena people. A massive undertaking, construction of the mound took place in successive stages from about 250-150 B.C., and required the movement of more than 60,000 tons of earth. Exhibits and displays in the complex’s museum interpret what is known about the lives of these prehistoric people and the construction of the mound. Museum hours are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m.

The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) of the West Virginia Division of Culture and History has published Frontier Forts in West Virginia: Historical and Archaeological Explorations. The guide explores the history, nature and function of 18th-century forts as a defensive system which helped promote the European westward movement into present West Virginia.
Most of the forts that were located in the area of present West Virginia were built during periods of international conflict and intense boundary disputes that arose during the colonial era, notably three short periods: the early years of the French and Indian War from 1755 to 1756; Lord Dunmore’s War and the early Revolutionary War years of 1774 to 1777; and the expansion years of 1786 to 1791, when the United States was seeking to claim and dominate land north of the Ohio River.
The guide describes various military engagements, explains the frontier defensive system and the role forts played in that system, and summarizes archaeological attempts to rediscover and examine fort locations throughout the state.
The publication already has been distributed to schools, libraries, historical and genealogical societies, and archaeologists. For more information about Frontier Forts in West Virginia: Historical and Archaeological Explorations or to find out how to obtain a copy, contact Lora Lamarre at (304) 558-0240, ext. 711.

If you have news or opportunities of interest to scholars, students or the public about preservation or archaeology, send email to Lora Lamarre.