Monday, January 7, 2013

CVHS Program for Sunday, January 20, 2013, at 3 p.m.



CVHS Program to Examine Regional Archaeology Project


The Chattahoochee Valley Historical Society will hold its winter quarterly meeting on January 20, at the Bradshaw Library in Valley, Alabama, at 3:00 pm ET.  The program will feature an exciting archaeological project currently underway in Macon County, Alabama. Executive Director Shari Williams and Managing Director Glenn Drummond will discuss the mission and scope of “The Ridge”, a project taking its name from the topography of southeast Macon County.  At the core of this project is an archaeological dig site, which offers a unique opportunity for the general public to participate in pre-scheduled digs under the guidance and supervision of experts.  An interpretative center at the site provides students, historians, and tourists a glimpse of the storied past of this region.  Artifacts date from the Archaic Period of Native American culture.  Relics from the antebellum period through the 20th century have also been discovered here.

Rural communities of Boromville, Creek Stand, and Warrior Stand are situated on “The Ridge” near the Alabama/Georgia border along the path of the historic Federal Road.  Built in the early 1800’s, the Federal Road began as a pre-historic Native American footpath that followed a topographical ridge line separating the drainage basins of the Chattahoochee and Tallapoosa rivers.

The importance of this area as a gateway to the western frontier and its rich multi-cultural heritage motivated Williams, Drummond and a nucleus of dedicated volunteers to develop this project.  In the fall of 2011, they received a small grant from the Alabama Historical Commission to fund start-up activities. Their mission is to collect, display and interpret artifacts, records and oral history of the region in order to educate residents and visitors about the contributions of The Ridge to the nation’s history.  After opening the interpretive center in May 2012, the project secured Alabama non-profit organization status.  Students ranging from elementary age to college level have visited the Ridge participating in field digs and getting genuine hands-on experience in the study of archaeology. 

“The Ridge Archaeology Project is a great example of historic preservation at the grassroots level.  It’s amazing what can be accomplished when a community comes together and its citizens are willing to work towards preserving their heritage,” says CVHS program chair Malinda Powers.

As always, the public is invited to attend and there is no charge.  The Bradshaw Library is located on Highway 29 in Valley, Alabama, approximately one mile south of I-85 Exit 79.  For additional information on the historical society, including membership and donation opportunities, visit the organization’s website at www.cvhistoricalsociety.org.