Archaeologist Sam Brookes is no stranger to Rolling Fork and the South Delta. As a member of the Great Delta Bear Affair planning committee, he has been conducting prehistoric mound tours during the festival for the past 17 years. Brookes with his extensive knowledge and passion has led many tours through the area for interested parties. He has participated in archaeological fieldwork on several sites and has authored over 30 articles on Mississippi Archaeology.
On October 26, during the Great Delta Bear Affair, folks will have the opportunity to take an area mound tour led by Brookes. The tour will include Rolling Fork, Carter, and Mont Helena mounds. Brookes will talk about the prehistoric builders that constructed the mounds, their lifestyle, as well as their use of the mounds.
The mound tours will begin at the Rolling Fork Visitor’s Center and Museum where Brookes will discuss some of the artifacts housed there. Participants will then follow him to three mound sites in their own vehicles. There will be two free tours conducted during the festival, one at 10 a.m. and another at 2 p.m. No registration required, just meet at the Visitor’s Center at 380 Walnut Street, Rolling Fork at one of these times.
