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Media contacts: Kim Schuette: 614.297.2314 or kschuette@ohiohistory.org
For Immediate Release
Open House Dates Set For Octagon Earthworks
First 2009 "Golf-Free" Days at 2,000-Year-Old Earthworks This Sunday
(NEWARK, Ohio) – The Ohio Historical Society will conduct four open houses at the Octagon Earthworks in 2009, allowing the entire site to operate "golf-free" on these days. This year, the events will be April 19 and 20, June 1 and Oct. 18. The site will be open to the public during daylight hours.
Special programs will be offered free this Sunday, April 19 from noon to 4 p.m. and Monday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guided tours will be held every hour starting at 12:30 p.m., Sunday and 10:30, Monday. In addition, the Ohio Historical Society’s History-to-Go Van will provide a number of hands-on activities for children and adults both days.
The Octagon Earthworks is a part of the Newark Earthworks in Licking County, a complex that is 2,000 years old and at one time covered approximately four square miles. Scholars recognize it as the largest geometric earthworks ever created. Although much of it has been destroyed by more than a century of urban development, the most significant parts remaining are the Octagon, Great Circle and Wright earthworks. Together these three earthworks comprise the Newark Earthworks, one of 59 sites administered by the Ohio Historical Society. Currently, the sites are being considered for the World Heritage List, which recognizes natural and cultural sites of significance to all peoples of the world.
The Octagon Earthworks, located in Newark, have operated as a golf course since 1910, and the Ohio Historical Society has administered the site since 1933. Moundbuilders Country Club leases the site from the Ohio Historical Society. While portions of the Octagon are open every day during daylight hours, the above dates are the only opportunities to see the entire site.
Visitors also are welcome to tour the earthworks on their own, but are asked to please stay off the mounds and golfing greens. There are no restroom facilities at the buildings. Admission is free. For further information, please call the Great Circle Museum at 800.589.8224.
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