‘Dark Sky Week’ wraps up April 18 at Town Creek Indian Mound

MOUNT GILEAD – Town Creek Under the Stars will wrap-up International Dark Sky Week from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, April 18 at Town Creek Indian Mound State Historic Site.

Stargazers will also view Jupiter and Venus, the constellations Taurus and Cancer, and other heavenly sights.

Kevin Spradlin | PeeDeePost.com Town Creek Indian Mount is only 1.5 miles from the Richmond County boarder, on the outskirts of Ellerbe.

Kevin Spradlin | PeeDeePost.com
Town Creek Indian Mount is only 1.5 miles from the Richmond County boarder, on the outskirts of Ellerbe.

International Dark Sky Week was created in 2003 by high school student Jennifer Barlow as a way to promote the beauty and wonder of the night sky.  The goals of Dark Sky Week are to (1) inspire people to celebrate the beauty of the night sky, (2) raise awareness about the negative effects of light pollution, and (3) embolden folks to “Take Action!”

“We are fortunate to host astronomy programming at Town Creek,” said Historic Interpreter Karen Bowles, “one of the last great dark sky sites in the Piedmont.”

Town Creek Indian Mound was so enjoyable that it was featured in Our State Magazine’s “10 Places to Enjoy the North Carolina Night Sky.”

Interested stargazers are encouraged to dress for the weather. Participants may also bring binoculars and telescopes. The staff will have a scope available if you do not have one. Advanced registration is requested by calling or emailing the site. This event is free and open to the public but donations are welcome. Please contact the site at 910-439-6802 or at towncreek@ncdcr.gov to register.

For more than 1,000 years, American Indians farmed lands later known as North Carolina. Around A.D. 1000, a new cultural tradition arrived in the Pee Dee River Valley. Throughout Georgia, South Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and western and southern Piedmont North Carolina, inhabitants built earthen mounds for their leaders, engaged in widespread trade, supported craftspeople and celebrated a new religion.

The mission of Town Creek is to interpret the history of the American Indians who once lived here. The visitor center features interpretive exhibits and audiovisual displays. A national historic landmark, Town Creek Indian Mound State Historic Site is North Carolina’s only state historic site dedicated to American Indian heritage.  Tour groups are welcome and encouraged. The site is open Tuesday through Saturday9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. It is closed to the public Mondays and most major holidays.

The historic site is within the Division of State Historic Sites in the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources. It is located at 509 Town Creek Mound Road, Mount Gilead, NC, 27306. For more information on Town Creek, visit www.towncreekindianmound.com.

Filed in: Latest Headlines, Outdoors

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