The Rowan Museum opened its newest exhibit case, “Our Earliest Cultures,” this past Sunday to a great crowd of guests. The new exhibit reflects the history of Rowan County dating back to 12,000 BC and is housed in a new large case dedicated to the late C. Wayne Whitman and the late Naomi Rink Bernhardt.

The exhibit focuses on early Native American artifacts which include pottery, stone tools and points. Also shown are several reproduction items reflecting the early cultures. Adjacent to the display is a case housing two computer screens. One is a point identification program. Guests may bring in items from their personal collections and use the program to identify their own points.

The second computer houses a locally filmed flint knapping video featuring flint knapper Dennis Redfern which shows the making of a stone point. Redfern also pointed out artifacts for guests to see on Sunday with many planning to return and bring in their own collections for research. This exhibit is a permanent display.

Guests also enjoyed a reception in the DAR Room.

The Rowan Museum is located at 202 N.h Main St. and is open Friday through Sunday afternoons, 1 to 4 p.m. For more information or to schedule week day group tours, call the Rowan Museum at 704-633-5946 or email rowanmuseum@fibrant.com