Unfortunately, due to the catastrophic damage caused to western North Carolina by the recent Hurricane Helene, the NCAS has decided to cancel this year's Fall Membership Dig and NCAS Fall Meeting. Please stay tuned for potential rescheduling.
When and Where: The North Carolina Archaeological Society (NCAS) will be partnering with the Exploring Joara Foundation (EJF) to host the 2024 Fall Member Dig for NCAS members. Fieldwork will take place on Tuesday, October 15th–Friday, October 18th at the Berry Site in Burke County, North Carolina. Daily hours are as follows:
Tuesday–Thursday: 10 AM to 3 PM
Friday: 9 AM to 1 PM
The Fall Member Dig will coincide with the NCAS Fall Business Meeting as well as EJF’s 3rd Annual Community Day at the Living History Village at Catawba Meadows Park in Morganton, North Carolina which will take place on Saturday, October 19th.
The Berry Site: The Berry Site is the location of the sixteenth century Native American town of Joara. Joara was visited by Spanish explorers Hernando de Soto in 1540 and Juan Pardo in 1567. The Berry Site is also the location of the Spanish Fort San Juan, which was established by Pardo in January of 1567. Relations between the Spanish occupants and the local Native Americans quickly deteriorated, culminating in the burning of Fort San Juan in June 1567.
We invite current NCAS members to participate in the excavations (click here to join or renew your membership). Activities at the Fall Member Dig will include troweling, shoveling, and washing and sorting artifacts. Archaeologists will be available to train participants in field methods, so no previous experience is required. Come for the whole event or just an afternoon! Registration for the event is free but will be limited to 20 volunteers per day. Participants will be required to sign a volunteer waiver. If you would like to participate, please contact Sami Taylor (staylor@newsouthassoc.com).
What You Need to Bring: Daily excavation times are to be announced closer to the event. Recommended items to pack include shoes/boots (no open toed shoes), water (at least 64 ounces per person), lunch/snacks, a hat, work gloves, sunscreen, and insect repellant. EJF will provide a portable restroom, a canopy for shade during lunch, shovels, and other excavation tools.
Accommodations: Food and lodging will NOT be provided. Recommended local accommodations include:
Fairfield Downtown Morganton (828-608-0900)
Hampton Inn Morganton (828-432-2000)
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Sami Taylor (staylor@newsouthassoc.com).
