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Call: (828) 439-2463

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Exploring Joara FoundationExploring Joara Foundation
  • Home
  • Visit
  • Events Calendar
  • Archaeological Sites
    • The Berry Site
    • Catawba Meadows Site
  • Education
    • Education
      • School/Youth Groups
      • Summer Camps
      • Video: YouthArchaeology
      • 2019 Field School
      • Summer Blog
      • Resources
    • Outreach
      • Community Workshops
  • Get Involved
    • Become a Member
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
  • About EJF
    • Organization
    • EJF in the News
    • Frequently Asked Questions
School kids at the Berry site

South Caldwell Public Schools conquer the Berry site!

About Exploring Joara Foundation

Imagine that the site of the Lost Colony of Roanoke or even Jamestown were discovered in your backyard….

Wouldn’t you want to get involved and learn everything you could about the people who walked on your land close to 500 years ago?

Would you want to get your hands in the dirt and touch artifacts that once belonged to a native family or a Spanish soldier?

Now you can!

In 2013, after 27 years of excavations, archaeologists discovered the Spanish Fort San Juan (1567), the first inland European settlement in the United States, at the site of the native town of Joara.

Our organization was founded in 2008 to engage the community in archaeological efforts to uncover Burke County’s forgotten past. Our name pays homage to the native village of Joara that was once a rich center of Mississippian-period life.

The Berry Site, named after the family who has so generously allowed excavations and research to happen on their property for the last three decades, attracts history enthusiasts from across the world. EJF is honored to partner with the research team, the Berry family, and many community partners who believe that the encounter between Juan Pardo and the natives of Joara forever changed the trajectory of our nation’s history.

EJF exists for this very reason. We are dedicated to engaging children and adults alike in archaeology and cultural heritage based programs in North Carolina.

Mission Statement

The Exploring Joara Foundation, Inc. engages the public in archaeology in the Carolinas, and emphasizes the discovery of the Native American town of Joara and Fort San Juan, the first inland European settlement in the United States.

Click here to join

Exploring Joara Foundation
PO Box 296
Morganton, NC 28680
(828) 439-2463

Upcoming Events

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Become a Member

Members are the backbone of the Exploring Joara Foundation, and enjoy many great perks, such as:
  • - Free or reduced access to special events
  • - Member Days and special tour days at the Berry Site
  • - Hands-on archaeology labs at the Wall Center
  • - Community Days at the Catawba Meadows Living History Center
  • - Academic presentations by experts in the field

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Contact Us

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Community Partners and Donors:

Community Partner: The History Museum of Burke County Sponsor: City of Morganton, NC Sponsor: Blueridge national heritage area Sponsor: the community foundation of western north carolina Burke County Master Gardeners Logo
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Our Mission:

The Exploring Joara Foundation, Inc. engages the public in archaeology in the Carolinas, and emphasizes the discovery of the Native American town of Joara and Fort San Juan, the first inland European settlement in the United States. Exploring Joara is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Contact:

Exploring Joara Foundation
PO Box 296
Morganton, NC 28680
(828) 439-2463

© 2021 · Exploring Joara Foundation, Inc.