When and Where:
The North Carolina Archaeological Society will be partnering with the Exploring Joara Foundation (EJF) to host the 2025 Spring Member Dig for NCAS members. The fieldwork is planned for May 20th – 23rd (Tuesday through Friday) at the Berry Site in Burke County, North Carolina. Use Google Maps and search for “Joara, Fort San Juan".”
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 (to join or renew, go to: https://www.ncarchsociety.org/membershiplanding). Activities at the member dig 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.
Lodging/Accommodation Recommendations:
Food and lodging will NOT be provided. Recommended local accommodations include: the Fairfield Downtown Morganton (828-608-0900) ( https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/avlfm-fairfield-inn-and-suites-morganton-historic-downtown/overview/), the Comfort Inn and Suites (https://www.choicehotels.com/north-carolina/morganton/comfort-inn-hotels/nc342), and the Hampton Inn Morganton (828-432-2000) (https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mrnnchx-hampton-morganton/).
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Sami Taylor (staylor@newsouthassoc.com).