Newark’s Octagon Earthworks include alignments to the rising and setting of the Moon in its design. Image courtesy of the University of Cincinnati’s Center for the Electronic Reconstruction of Historical and Archaeological Sites (CERHAS).

The Newark Earthworks, built by the Hopewell culture 2,000 years ago, is the largest set of geometric earthworks ever built — anywhere. The earthworks have such a sophisticated knowledge of geometry and astronomy built into them that you might think ancient aliens had a hand in the design of this monumental architectural masterpiece.

You might think that, but you’d be wrong.

Join Curator of Archaeology Brad Lepper at the Ohio History Center on Saturday October 12^th from 2:00 to 3:00 PM for a Curator’s Talk on “The Amazing Newark Earthworks.” Find out just how smart Ohio’s ancient American Indians really were!

After you’ve heard the talk, walk the walk at Newark’s Octagon Earthworks on Sunday October 13^th. The Octagon Earthworks are one of the most amazing components of the Newark Earthworks. Although it’s an Ohio Historical Society historic site, it currently is operated by Moundbuilders Country Club. While portions of the site are publicaly accessible 365 days a year during daylight hours, most of the earthwork is closed to the public when the golf course is open. There are four days a year, however, when golf is suspended and the entire site is open to the public. October 13^th is one of those days!

The Newark Earthworks Center at the Ohio State University Newark Campus will host public tours, Native crafts and storytelling, and atlatl throwing at the Open House from noon to 5 PM, but the site is available for your exploration and enjoyment throughout the day.

Brad Lepper, standing by the sign, begins a tour of the Octagon Earthworks.

Experience the awe and mystery of the Newark Earthworks at these two October events!