I hope you all will be able to join me for an informal discussion about Ohio’s Ancient Earthworks as part of the Ohio Historical Society’s conversational Small Talks series.
On Sunday, February 5th from 2-3 pm, I will talk about the latest theories concerning the origins and purposes of Ohio’s amazing earthworks as well as the status of the effort to nominate eight of Ohio’s earthworks to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Those sites include four Ohio Historical Society sites, the Newark Earthworks, Fort Ancient, Seip Mound and Serpent Mound, along with the several sites belonging to Hopewell Culture National Historical Park.
The remarkable mounds and earthen enclosures were built by a number of ancient American Indian cultures over many centuries and for a variety of purposes, but there remain many unanswered questions: Why are many of the earthworks so enormous? Why are many aligned to the rising and setting of thesun and moon? Were the earthworks centers for a vast network of trade and commerce?
For my views on these and whatever other questions you bring with you, join me at the Ohio Historical Society’s Discovery Theater on Sunday February 5th at 2 pm.
After the “Small Talk,” if there’s any interest, I’ll lead a guided tour of our new archaeology exhibit in the Museum of the Ohio History Center — Following in Ancient Footsteps, where you can see some of the most spectacular works of art ever produced by Ohio’s mound-building cultures. Those remarkable objects will speak louder than any words you’ll hear from me!
I will hope to see you there!
Brad Lepper
