Donor Acknowledgment
Donated March14th, 2026
The Meherrin Indian Tribe extends heartfelt Nyà·wę and deep gratitude to Mr. Douglas Pickette for his generous donation of his grandfather’s artifacts discovered in Northampton County. These remarkable items, dating back more than 2,000 years, represent an important connection to the history, culture, and enduring legacy of our ancestors.
We are truly honored by this meaningful gift and grateful for Mr. Pickette’s commitment to preserving and sharing pieces of our shared heritage. Donations like this help ensure that the stories and traditions of our people continue to be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.
Collection Background
The W.L. Pickette Artifacts Collection began with William L. Pickette during his youth in Northampton County, North Carolina, at the Braxton Flythe homeplace. It was there that he first began collecting artifacts connected to the lands historically occupied by the Meherrin people.
Following his service in both World War II and the Korean War, W.L. Pickette married and settled in the Scotland Neck area, approximately five miles south of town. While farming alongside his father, he continued to gather artifacts over many years, eventually building a significant and well-preserved collection.
This collection reflects a lifetime of careful observation, stewardship, and respect for the land and its history.
Cultural & Historical Time Range
The artifacts within this collection span a broad and significant range of time periods, including:
Paleo-Transitional Period (c. 9,000 BC)
Archaic Period (c. 7,000 BC – 1,700 BC)
Woodland Period (c. 1,700 BC – European Contact, c. 1700 AD)
Together, these artifacts represent the enduring presence of the Meherrin people within their traditional territory, offering insight into their lives, lifeways, and traditions prior to and into the early contact period.
