Daily Journal file photo The Town Creek Indian Mound state historic site, shown here, will host a party to honor Dr. Joffre Coe, the ‘godfather of North Carolina archaeology’ from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

MOUNT GILEAD — There’s a party at Town Creek Indian Mound this Saturday, and everyone is invited!

The state historical site invites area residents to celebrate the birth of Dr. Joffre Coe, the “godfather or North Carolina archaeology,” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees will learn how he taught the art and science of research in the dirt.

“If not for Dr. Coe’s passion for discovery and learning,” site manager Rich Thompson said, “we would not have such a complete history of American Indians in North Carolina.”

Games and activities for kids as well as living history demonstrations will fill the day. For a special treat, cake and ice cream will be served during a birthday sing-along for Coe at 1 p.m. during this free event.

For more information, call 910-439-6802 or contact the site at [email protected].

For more than 1,000 years, American Indians farmed the lands later known as North Carolina. Around A.D. 1,000 a new cultural tradition arrived in the Pee Dee River Valley. Throughout Georgia, South Carolina, eastern Tennessee and western 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 visitors’ 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 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 1-5 p.m. Sundays. It is closed to the public Mondays and most major holidays.

Town Creek is within the Division of State Historic Sites in the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, and located at 509 Town Creek Road outside Mount Gilead.