On February 27th, Ohio Statehood Day, OHS archaeology curators Brad Lepper and Linda Pansing, traveled to the statehouse along with an old friend a museum-quality replica of the Adena Pipe.
We were there to support one of the three main legislative priorities of a broad coalition of history advocates:
Students, teachers and parents in central Ohio have been working with legislators for several years to have the Adena Pipe a sculpture depicting an ancient Native American that was discovered in 1901 on the grounds of Adena, the former home of Ohio Founding Father Thomas Worthington recognized as the states official artifact. No other artifact so epitomizes Ohio’s rich history. It was crafted by Native Americans who were Ohio’s first farmers and mound-builders. There currently is no official artifact for the State of Ohio. House Bill 43 and Senate Bill 33 have been introduced recently to have the Adena Pipe, an artifact in the collections of the Ohio Historical Society, duly recognized.
This wonderful initiative to honor Ohios rich Native American heritage was conceived by students at the Columbus School for Girls and these young women and their teachers have been working hard for several years to make it happen.
Please contact your legislators and the governor to support the efforts of these dedicated students and teachers of a history that includes the magnificent achievements of Ohio’s indigenous peoples. Tell them you support House Bill 43 and Senate Bill 33 and get your friends and colleagues to express their support as well.
As a side note, it was a thrill to be at the Ohio Statehouse representing Ohio’s ancient history in the actual footsteps of Abraham Lincoln!
Brad Lepper
