Before Europeans set foot upon Mississippi Valley Soil, American Indians had developed a vibrant and sophisticated culture in the Memphis area. Chucalissa Museum allows visitors to explore the lives of these people. Operated by the University of Memphis, Chucalissa serves as a gateway into understanding the science of archaeology and the interpretation of Native American history. The museum exhibits interpret the prehistory of the Mid-South, and contemporary Southeastern Indian cultures. The C.H. Nash Museum was founded in 1956 following the rediscovery of a Mississippian mound complex by workers preparing the T.O. Fuller State Park in the late 1930's. The site was separated from the park and developed as a laboratory for training archaeologists and as a place to interpret archaeology to the broader public. Chucalissa offers guided tours, traveling exhibits, and a variety of special events for students and the general public. The Choctaw Indian Heritage Festival is held annually in August. Other events include fun runs, Archeology Day, family days, and various demonstrations of crafts and early technologies.