The Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex will celebrate West Virginia Archaeology Month during October.

The celebration will be start with a wide variety of family oriented activities from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 3-4. All events are free and open to the public.

"People tend to forget we're here," Complex Site Manager David Rotenizer said. "We just want to remind them we're in their back yard."

He pointed out many local residents have not come to see the new archaeology wing of the complex.

"This is the 100th anniversary of state ownership of the mound," he continued. "We want to create more awareness of what archaeology is and why we need it. Archaeology is dynamic and ongoing. It's always a learning experience."

Curators Scott Speedy and Yvonne Becka will alternate taking visitors on guided tours, of the mound, on the hour and half hour. They will focus on its background and history.

In addition tours will be offered of the new 9,600-square-foot wing, which houses artifacts from across West Virginia and is the state's archaeological research and collections facility. It also contains a study area for researchers as well as a library.

"We want folks to come see what's new at the mound," Cultural Program Coordinator Andrea Keller said.

Several rooms have been refurbished and new displays have been put in. Contemporary exhibits on display include "Women of Design: Embassies, Mansions, and Stately Homes" by Pat Bibbee and Vivien Woofter; Marble King - The World's Finest Marbles; Homer Laughlin China Company; and Ladies Fashion Dolls of the 19th Century by Bete Ballard.

Hands-on activities for children will include using replicated prehistoric tools for corn grinding and stone-tipped drills to make holes in wooden pendants. They will also be able to participate in the "Museum Search" and earn free packets of marbles provided by Marble King, of Paden City.

State and local exhibitors will display artifacts, pottery, and crafts, from around and relating to, West Virginia archaeology and Native American heritage in the new Activity Room.

They will include artifacts from the Cockayne Farmhouse in Glen Dale. Several archaeology related documentary films will also be showing, throughout the day, in the auditorium.

On Sunday, Robert Walden, a skilled flint knapper, will demonstrate how to make Native American tools and spear points from start to finish.

He will also give a spear throwing demonstration.

Rotenizer pointed out West Virginia has been celebrating Archaeology Month since the late '80s or early '90's. It is also celebrated by several states around the country.

"Being so close to the Ohio River, we're in an area incredibly rich in archaeology," Keller concluded. "Part of archaeology is to create awareness of resources that can be preserved."

For additional information contact Keller at 304 483-4128.