Robesonian reported that recent archaeological excavations have successfully recovered remarkable artifacts dating back six thousand five hundred years through a significant regional partnership involving App State and the Lumbee Tribe. Seth Grooms detailed these findings, highlighting the extensive historical depth uncovered during the recent fieldwork operations conducted within the area.
According to the information provided by Seth Grooms, these discoveries represent only the beginning of a much larger picture regarding the region's ancient past. Specifically, Seth Grooms noted that under one percent of Robeson County has been surveyed archaeologically to date. This leaves an overwhelming majority of the county entirely unexplored by formal archaeological studies, pointing to the immense potential for future discoveries as the partnership continues its important work.
Elaborating on the overarching mission and the educational components driving the partnership forward, Seth Grooms told Robesonian, "The goal is to train App State students and Lumbee citizens in archaeological methods while increasing the tribe’s capacity for heritage management initiatives." This dual focus ensures that both university participants and members of the local community gain hands-on experience in preserving and documenting local heritage.
Building directly upon the artifacts dating back six thousand five hundred years that were recently brought to light, the research team is already looking ahead to the next phase of their fieldwork schedule. Seth Grooms confirmed that researchers are scheduled to return to Robeson County with ground-penetrating radar in November. This upcoming deployment of advanced technology will allow the team to gather further data across a landscape where under one percent of Robeson County has been surveyed archaeologically.
The profound human connection forged through handling these ancient items was vividly captured by Katie Walker. Describing the visceral and emotional experience of interacting with the physical history recovered from the excavation sites, Katie Walker told Robesonian, "I call it the moment time collapses — when we can hold an item in our hands and feel the weight it had for someone so long ago and still has for us now. There’s no other feeling like it in the world."
As the collaborative project moves from its initial excavations toward the upcoming November fieldwork using ground-penetrating radar, the emphasis remains anchored in rigorous training, educational capacity-building, and careful stewardship. Through the combined dedication of App State students, Lumbee citizens, and project leadership, the initiative continues to uncover and honor a rich timeline of human existence that stretches back six thousand five hundred years across a deeply historic Robeson County landscape.
