Stay tuned for more archaeology, heritage, and education resources!
Archaeology Vocabulary
Ever wonder what that archaeology jargon means? Click below for a hand out with basic archaeology terms and commonly used tools explained. Great for students and teachers, and help with your 2018 Youth Bookmark Competition entry.
CLICK HERE for Archaeology Vocabulary
Youth Bookmark Competition
2018- Discover Your Story: Excavating for Clues
CLICK HERE for 2018 entry form!
The 2018 EJF Youth Bookmark Competition has arrived! Young artists up to 12th grade are welcome to design their own bookmark depicting the science of archaeology. You don’t need to be a North Carolina resident to enter! Entries (see the link above) are due June 8, 2018. Winners of each category will be announced and prizes awarded at the Berry Site during Field Day (June 23, 2018). All entries will be posted on the EJF Facebook page. You can comment, like, and share your favorite entry between June 11- June 16, 2018 to help us determine our People’s Choice category winners. Need help or inspiration? Visit our vocabulary list above for archaeology words and pictures.
Questions? Contact us!
archaeology@exploringjoara.org or 828-439-2463
2017- Mark the Encounter

Grand Prize Winning Entry
Many thanks to all who participated in our 2017 contest! We had many wonderful entries from across North Carolina. In the end, our panel of judges selected three winners. Our grand prize winner, a young Poplar Springs Elementary School student, received her prize at the 450th Fest on August 5, 2017. In addition to a winning entry, her class submitted videos describing their bookmarks and how they relate to the Joara/Fort San Juan story. Give these excellent reports a watch!
English Learner Student Mark the Encounter bookmark entries, Poplar Spring Elementary

1st Runner Up Winning Entry
Upcoming Events
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Become a Member
- - 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