MOUNDSVILLE, W.Va. — Late summer activities at the Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex in Moundsville will include the film “Top Secret Rosies: The Female Computers of World War II,” the annual art exhibit by members of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), accompanied by a “Fan of Art Day” later in the month, and making colorful pinwheels to catch those late summer breezes. These activities are available to the public free of charge.
Beginning Aug. 1, the annual art exhibit by members of the National Alliance on Mental Illness will grace the museum’s Activity Room. NAMI’s talented artists have created works that are beautifully detailed, alive with brilliant colors, and occasionally with a touch of whimsey.
“Top Secret Rosies: The Female Computers of World War II” is the Second Saturday Film, to be screened at the Complex at 1 and 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10. The 1-hour film describes how a group of female mathematicians helped win World War II and usher in the computer age in the process. The women performed calculations for ballistics tables that were critical to the production of accurate weapons and when the Army developed its first electronic computer, six of them were chosen to be its first computer programmers.
“Fan of Art Day” is planned from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22. Art supplies will be available for making a fan to help keep cool on those last days of summer heat. Participation is on a walk-in basis with no reservations needed.
Throughout the month of August, visitors of all ages are invited to make a colorful pinwheel at the museum’s Discovery Table. This craft is available during regular museum hours.
Operated by the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History, Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex features one of the largest conical burial mounds built by the Adena people between 250 – 150 B.C. and ranks as one of the largest earthen mortuary mounds anywhere in the world. Exhibits and displays in the Delf Norona Museum interpret what is known about the lives of these prehistoric people and the construction of the mound. The complex also houses the West Virginia Archaeological Research and Collections Management Facility.
Admission to Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex is free. The Delf Norona Museum, located at 801 Jefferson Avenue, is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and closed Sunday and Monday. Access to the Mound and other outdoor areas closes at 4:30 p.m., weather permitting.
For more information about activities and programs at Grave Creek Mound, contact Andrea Keller, cultural program coordinator, at (304) 843-4128 or andrea.k.keller@wv.gov or visit www.facebook.com/gravecreekmound and www.instagram.com/gravecreekmound.