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Since its founding in 1885 as the Ohio State Archaeological and Historical Society, the Ohio Historical Society has been actively engaged in archaeology. We conduct research, collect and preserve evidence of the past and share our knowledge through exhibits, publications, workshops and educational programs. Our premier archaeological sites include Serpent Mound in Adams County, Fort Ancient in Warren County and the Newark Earthworks in Licking County. All three are National Historic Landmarks and are internationally recognized as places to learn about ancient American Indian cultures.
We are excited about the present and the future in our archaeological work as we move forward on a number of archaeological initiatives. Some of these will expand awareness and understanding of American Indian cultures that thrived in what is now Ohio for at least 10,000 years. Others are helping us learn more about important individuals and events since Ohio’s establishment as a state in 1803.
This summer, the Ohio Historical Society will present two weeklong workshops on Mounds, Earthworks and the Prehistory of the Ohio Valley to 50 community college teachers from throughout the United States – thanks to a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Two projects are underway at Fort Ancient near Lebanon. The Society is using a national Save America’s Treasures grant to preserve the prehistoric earthworks. Also, in conjunction with Wright State University, we are exploring a previously unknown circular structure discovered last summer. At Newark Earthworks, staff members are working with local groups to make the Octagon Earthworks available to the general public next fall for a lunar alignment.
In addition, OHS archaeologists are continuing their research at the site of Pickawillany, a mid-18th century British/Miami Indian trading post near the Piqua Historical Area. Additional archaeological and historical research is being conducted at the Grant Boyhood Home in Georgetown and at Rankin House, an Underground Railroad site in Ripley.
At Serpent Mound in Adams County, plans are underway to replace a picnic shelter built in the 1930s and to replace the roof at the museum – important projects toward improving the visitor experience at the site. And throughout the state, our Ohio Historic Preservation Office continues to carry out our protection responsibilities under the National Historic Preservation Act.
In addition to offering site-based experiences, the Ohio Historical Society continues to expand knowledge about archaeology, having recently improved and expanded the prehistoric content published in Ohio History Central, our online encyclopedia of Ohio history. Last summer, Voyageur Media Group and Orange Frazer Press published Ohio Archaeology: An Illustrated Chronicle of Ohio’s Ancient American Indian Cultures, by Bradley T. Lepper, OHS curator of archaeology. And Martha P. Otto, senior curator of archeology, continues to lead outstanding school programs on Ohio’s ancient past, including the popular and interactive Discover Archaeology! at the Ohio Historical Center. Otto also has participated in developing new exhibits at Fort Ancient, Flint Ridge and Piqua Historical Area.
This year, visitors to the Ohio Historical Center will see major change to the archaeology collections on display when the Ohio Historical Society begins a multi-year process of transforming the museum floor (new REV page) to create new experiences for visitors. To get started on the long-term project, the Society will close The First Ohioans archaeology exhibit on March 27, almost 20 years after it opened in August 1986. The last day to see the exhibit is Sunday, March 26, from noon to 5 p.m.
In mid-July, many of the artifacts in The First Ohioans as well as some artifacts that have never before been on exhibit, will be displayed in new areas of the museum.
We invite all with an interest in Ohio’s early cultures to visit The First Ohioans through its last day, Sunday, March 26, 2006. On this final day, we will offer a fond farewell to the exhibit with curator-led tours from noon to 4 p.m. and brief remarks in a program at 2 p.m., followed by refreshments.
Later this year, we will make available a video that documents The First Ohioans exhibit. The physical exhibit will continue as a virtual exhibit on our Web site ( www.ohiohistory.org) later this year.
Also, in October, the Society will open Earthworks: Virtual Explorations of the Ancient Ohio Valley, a featured exhibition from the University of Cincinnati’s Center for the Electronic Reconstruction of Historical and Archaeological Sites and produced in conjunction with the Cincinnati Museum Center. Expected to run through the end of 2006, the 500-square-foot Earthworks uses modern technology to bring to life the ancient constructions of the early inhabitants of the Ohio Valley region.
Exhibit components for Earthworks include topographic models with touch-and-feel interactive elements, virtual artifact kiosks and interactive video tour space, where up to 30 people can gather to share in an interactive and collaborative tour of the region, its valleys and sites.
This is an exciting year for the Ohio Historical Society, and we look forward to making positive changes for our visitors and engaging more of them in the important work we do.
We know that not everyone agrees with our plans. For a response to criticism we have received from some members of the Archaeological Society of Ohio, please read this letter from our executive director, William K. Laidlaw Jr., who submitted it for publication to The Columbus Dispatch on Feb. 16.
Please bookmark our Web site and check later this year for news about archaeology and other activities at OHS. For more information about visiting our sites and participating in programs, please call us at 614.297.2300.
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