Monday, September 17, 2007

INVESTIGATIONS AT THE GREAT CIRCLE

A series of limited archaeological investigations are planned at the Great Circle Earthworks for the coming weeks. The Great Circle is, of course, one of the best preserved remnants of the Newark Earthworks, which was the largest set of geometric earthworks built by the ancient Hopewell culture between about 100 BC and AD 400.



The goal of the project is to look for any archaeological evidence that might be in the footprint of a proposed leach bed intended to alleviate flooding problems in the parking area of the Ohio Historical Society's maintenance building on Cooper Avenue. Unfortunately, it is not presently feasible to tie the drainage system into the Newark City sewer and that's why a leach bed is needed.

Initially, we'll be doing a remote sensing survey of the area. Techniques, such as magnetic surveys or ground penetrating radar will allow us to "see" beneath the ground surface without doing any digging. Later, we plan to dig several small test pits to search for artifacts, like flint knives and bits of broken pottery, that the remote sensing instruments won't be able to detect.

If any significant archaeological remains are found, they either will be avoided by finding an alternative location for the leach bed, or studied further to make sure no information is lost. The maintenance buildings are located away from the earthworks, so the leach bed will not impinge on them in any way. In the unlikely event that any human remains are encountered, the location of the leach bed will be moved so as not to disturb the burials.



Based on a study of historical records and aerial photographs, we expect to find traces of the hog barn built when the park was the site of the Licking County Fair grounds. There also may be evidence relating to the activities of the Hopewell culture, such as camp sites either for the workers who built the mounds or visitors who came to the earthworks to participate in ceremonies. And, who knows, we may find even older traces of human activity. People have lived in this rich valley for more than 12,000 years!

The formal research design for the project is being written and, when completed and approved, will be available on the Newark Earthworks home page: http://ohsweb.ohiohistory.org/places/c08/ . In the meantime, if you have any questions about the project, please feel free to attend a public meeting scheduled for 3 October from 7-9 PM at the Ohio State University, Newark Campus. Information about the meeting, which also will include discussions about new exhibits for the Visitor Center at the Great Circle, will be posted here on the Archaeology Blog as well as on the Newark Earthworks home page, or you can contact Brad Lepper at blepper@ohiohistory.org, or (614) 297-2642 for details.

For an overview of what archaeologists and historians have learned about the Newark Earthworks, including the Great Circle, go to http://ohsweb.ohiohistory.org/places/c08/pdf/Appendix1_History.pdf.

Friday, September 14, 2007

Ohio Archaeological Council Fall Membership Meeting


Co-Sponsored with the Newark Earthworks Center of The Ohio State University-Newark
Saturday, November 3, 2007 Reese Center Auditorium,
The Ohio State University-Newark
The morning and afternoon programs are free and open to the public.

9:30-10:00 am: Poster Session (outside auditorium: posters on display throughout the day)



10:00-11:30 am: Research Project Updates

Dr. Jarrod Burks: Spruce Hill Earthworks (Ross County)

Dr. Robert Riordan: Wright State University Field School at Fort Ancient (Warren County)


Dr. Robert Cook: The Ohio State University Field School at the Wildcat Site (Montgomery County)

Bill Kennedy: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery Field School at the Wegerzyn Site
(Montgomery
County)

Dr. Brian Redmond: Cleveland Museum of Natural History Field School at the Danbury Site (Ottawa County)

Robert Genheimer: The Newtown Site (Hamilton County)


11:30 am-1:00 pm Ohio Archaeological Council Luncheon and Business Meeting (Reese Center Ballroom. Ohio Archaeological Council members and guests only)

1:00 pm Presentation of the Ohio Archaeological Council Board of Directors Award to John Hancock, Professor of Architectural History and Associate Dean of Research, University of Cincinnati

1:05-4:00 pm: Re-Investigating Ohio Hopewell Earthworks and Settlements

1:05-1:35 pm - Dr. N’omi Greber: The Ohio Historical Society 1971-1977
Excavations at Seip Mound, Ross County

1:35-2:05 pm - Dr. Frank Cowan: The Shriver Circle Earthwork, Ross County

2:05-2:35 pm - Dr. Paul Pacheco: Life on the Bottoms: Investigating Ohio
Hopewell Settlement Patterns in the Central Scioto River Valley

2:35-3:05 pm - Dr. Jarrod Burks: Revisiting Some of Ohio’s Lesser-Known
Earthworks: New Geophysical Survey Results

3:05-3:35 pm - Dr. Brian Redmond: Hopewell on the Sandusky: Re-assessing
Middle Woodland Archaeology in Northern Ohio


3:35-4:00 pm - Q & A
4:00 pm - Adjourn

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Ohio Archaeology Month October 2007


Hello all,
The 2007 Ohio Archaeology Month is a volunteer effort sponsored by the Ohio Archaeological Council. Listed are events happening all over Ohio. So get out of the house, take a little drive this fall, visit an event and have fun!
Linda

Celebrating our cultural heritage...

Please join us in celebrating Ohio Archaeology Month throughout the month of October 2007. The mission of this annual event is to promote awareness of Ohio’s cultural heritage as revealed through nearly 200 years of archaeological research! A series of statewide educational events designed to highlight archaeological research throughout Ohio are planned. This year, we have over 10 events planned across all portions of the state including presentations, artifact identification days, exhibits, and more. Detailed information for each event is listed below.

Schedule of Events

Central Ohio
Coordinator: Martha Otto
The Ohio Historical Society
614.297.2411
motto@ohiohistory.org

Ohio Historical Society Workshops for Children
October 2007
Contact Martha Otto or check the Ohio Historical Society website for details on programs for school children including DISCOVER ARCHAEOLOGY! and THE AMERICAN INDIAN IN OHIO.
Web: http://www.ohiohistoryteachers.org/; www.ohiohistory.org

Hopewell Discovery Day: An Adventure in Archeology
October 13, 2007

Event Description: Come explore the archeological history of Ohio at Hopewell Culture National Historical Park. This year’s event will feature demonstrations of flint knapping techniques, exhibits covering the latest research at local sites, and displays of prehistoric Native American artifacts. Archeologists will be on hand to identify your artifacts, and the park’s natural resources staff will have displays showcasing the plant and animal life of the present and past. Kids and adults alike can try their hand at pottery making and using an ancient spear throwing tool called an atlatl. Park Rangers will lead tours of the mound area throughout the day, and kids will have the opportunity to take part in a mock archeological dig.
Date/Time: Saturday, October 13, 2007; 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location of Event: Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, 16062 State Route 104 Chillicothe, Ohio
Sponsoring Organization: Hopewell Culture National Historical Park; National Park Service
Fees: None
Pre-registration: No
Participant Ages: All ages
Contact Information:
Rick Perkins
Phone: 740-774-1126
Email: rick_perkins@nps.gov
Web: www.nps.gov/hocu

The Ohio Archaeological Council’s Fall Meeting
November 3, 2007

Event Description: Come join us at the Ohio Archaeological Council’s Fall Membership meeting. Papers covering recent fieldwork work will be presented in the morning session while the afternoon session will feature papers on the Middle Woodland Period and the Ohio Hopewell. Please click here for the preliminary agenda.
Date/Time: Saturday, November 3, 2007; 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (lunch taken between noon and 1 p.m; Luncheon for OAC members and guests).
Location of Event: The Reese Center at the Ohio State University-Newark Campus, Newark, Ohio.
Sponsoring Organization: The Ohio Archaeological Council and Newark Earthworks Center
Fees: None to attend meeting. Contact Lynn Simonelli for luncheon fees.
Pre-registration: No
Participant Ages: All ages
Contact Information:
Lynn Simonelli, Dayton Society of Natural History
Phone: 937-275-7431
Email: lsimonelli@boonshoftmuseum.org
Web: http://www.ohioarchaeology.org/


Northeastern Ohio
Coordinator: Brian Redmond
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
216.231.4600
bredmond@cmnh.org


Archaeology Day at Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park
October 6, 2007

Event Description: This event on the Deep Lock Quarry site includes exhibits on the archaeology and interpretation of the quarrying and related canal and railroad activities which took place at this site, displays of area prehistory, flint knapping and atlatl throwing demonstrations. Walk or bike te Towpath Trail.
Date/Time: Saturday, October 6, 2007; 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location of Event: Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park, 5779 Riverview Rd. (3/4 mile south of SR 303). Peninsula, Ohio
Sponsoring Organization: University of Akron Community Archaeology Program; Metro Parks Serving Summit County; the Sugar Creek, Chippewa Valley and Cuyahoga Valley Chapters of the Archaeological Society of Ohio
Fees: None
Pre-registration: No
Participant Ages: All ages
Contact Information:
Linda Whitman, The University of Akron
Phone: 330-972-6179
Email: whitman@uakron.edu
Web: http://www3.uakron.edu/anthro/csaa/index

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History Archaeology Day 2007
October 13, 2007

Event Description: Archaeology Day will feature artifact displays and exhibits on prehistoric Native American archaeology in Ohio; native technology demonstrations; artifact identifications; information for educators, and hands-on activities with prehistoric stone tools.
Date/Time: Saturday, October 13, 2007; 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location of Event: The Cleveland Museum of Natural History Lobby and Galleries. 1 Wade Oval Drive, University Circle, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-1767
Sponsoring Organization: The Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Fees: Free with Museum admission: Adults, $9.00; Youth ages 7 to 18, college students with ID, and seniors (60 and over or with Golden Buckeye Card), $7.00; Children ages 3 to 6, $6.00; Toddlers 2 and under, FREE.
Pre-registration: No
Participant Ages: All ages
Other Pertinent Information: Fee for parking
Contact Information:
Dr. Brian G. Redmond, Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Phone: 216-231-4600, ext. 3301
Fax: 216-231-5919
Email: bredmond@cmnh.org
Web: http://www.cmnh.org/

Archaeology Road Show
October 26, 2007

Event Description: Artifact displays of projects conducted by the Community Archaeology Program, flint knapping demonstration, and activities for children. The public is invited to bring in prehistoric and historic artifacts for identification.
Date/Time: Friday, October 26, 2007; 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location of Event: Department of Classical Studies, Anthropology and Archaeology at the University of Akron, Olin Hall, Room 101. Akron, Ohio 44325
Sponsoring Organization: University of Akron
Fees: None
Pre-registration: No
Participant Ages: All ages
Contact Information:
Linda Whitman, The University of Akron
Phone: 330-972-6179
Email: whitman@uakron.edu
Web: http://www3.uakron.edu/anthro/csaa/index

The Youngstown State Anthropology Colloquium Presents Archaeology Month
October 2007

Event Description: A four speaker series in celebration of Ohio Archaeology Month.
Date/Time: TBD - various
Location of Event: YSU Campus, building and room TBD
Sponsoring Organization: Youngstown State University Anthropology Colloquium
Fees: None
Pre-registration: No
Participant Ages: All ages
Other Pertinent Information: Refreshments served after the lecture.
Contact Information: Ron Madeline. Youngstown State University
Phone: 330-402-2312
Email: voltamars29@yahoo.com


Northwestern Ohio
Coordinator: J. Ryan Duddleson
The Mannik & Smith Group
419.891.2222
rduddleson@manniksmithgroup.com

Shipwreck Preservation: Permanent Mooring Buoys
October 13, 2007

Event Description: MAST has been busy since its inception working towards creating a way to lessen the impact that humans have on submerged archaeological sites. MAST has been able to buoy 10 Ohio shipwrecks. Ken Marshall, MAST chair, will highlight the shipwrecks, their history, why they were chosen, and the work it takes to make sure that these resources are protected.
Date/Time: Saturday, October 13, 2007; 11 a.m.
Location of Event: Inland Seas Maritime Museum, 480 Main St., Vermillion, Ohio 44089
Sponsoring Organization: Maritime Archaeological Survey Team
Fees: None
Pre-registration: No
Participant Ages: Adults
Other Pertinent Information: While pre-registration is not required a RSVP would be appreciated. This is not as a children’s program but children are welcome.
Contact Information:
Carrie E. Sowden, GLHS/MAST
Phone: 440-967-3467 (extension 6)
Email: shipwreck@inlandseas.org
Web: www.ohiomast.org

Lake Erie Nautical Archaeology, Summer 2007
October 23, 2007

Event Description: Carrie Sowden, Archaeological Director of the Peachman Lake Erie Shipwreck Research Center, will present the history and results of the Great Lakes Historical Society’s summer field season. The Sarah E. Sheldon, a wooden steamer that sank in 1905, was surveyed by PLESRC and MAST. GLHS and MAST also spent the summer investigating 9 possible shipwreck sites that ODNR had discovered in
2004.
Date/Time: Tuesday, October 23, 2007; 7 p.m.
Location of Event: Inland Seas Maritime Museum, 480 Main St., Vermillion, Ohio 44089
Sponsoring Organization: Great Lakes Historical Society
Fees: None
Pre-registration: No
Participant Ages: Adults
Other Pertinent Information: While pre-registration is not required a RSVP would be appreciated. This is not as a children’s program but children are welcome.
Contact Information:
Carrie E. Sowden, GLHS/MAST
Phone: 440-967-3467 (extension 6)
Email: shipwreck@inlandseas.org
Web: www.inlandseas.org
October Meeting of the Toledo Area Aboriginal Research Society
October 25, 2007
Event Description: Dr. Lynne Goldstein of Michigan State University will be presenting on Aztalan. Aztalan is the most famous archaeological site in Wisconsin, and is related to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cahokia in Illinois. Aztalan dates to what archaeologists call the Middle Mississippian period (ca. AD 1000-1300), the most complex prehistoric culture north of Mexico. In trying to prepare a synthesis of what is known about Aztalan, she will present a synthesis of Aztalan to frame it as a history of American archaeology, in which it is as important to understand the research questions and the research context as it is to understand what was found.
Date/Time: Thursday, October 25, 2007 at 7:00 PM
Location of Event: The Manor House at Wildwood Metropark, 5100 West Central Ave., Toledo, Ohio
Sponsoring Organization: The Toledo Area Aboriginal Research Society
Fees: Free
Pre-registration: No
Participant Ages: All
Other Pertinent Information: The meeting will begin with a brief business meeting followed by the speaker. Refreshments will be available.
Contact Person: Jeremy Freeman
Address: 5144 N. High Street, Apt. 202, Columbus, OH 43214
Phone: 419-618-7882
E: MAIL: jbrentfreeman@yahoo.com

Southeastern Ohio
Coordinator: Ann Cramer
Wayne National Forest
740.753.0553
acramer@fs.fed.us


Artifact Identification Day
October 27, 2007

Event Description: Area residents are invited to bring in various artifacts and fossils for identification by professional archaeologists, paleontologists, and geologists. A flint knapper will also be on hand to demonstrate how flint artifacts are made.
Date/Time: Saturday, October 27, 2007, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location of Event: Wayne National Forest Supervisor’s Office/Athens Ranger Station (Nelsonville,Ohio). 13700 U.S. Highway 33, Nelsonville, Ohio 45764.
Sponsoring Organization: Wayne National Forest, Hocking College, Ohio University, National Park Service – Hopewell Culture National Park.
Fees: None
Pre-registration: No
Participant Ages: All ages
Contact Information:
Ann Cramer, Forest Archaeologist, Wayne National Forest
Phone: 740-753-0553
Fax: 740-753-0118
Email: acramer@fs.fed.us


Southwestern Ohio
Coordinator: Matthew Purtill
Gray & Pape, Inc.
513.389.9087
mpurtill@graypape.com


SunWatch’s Family Day: Astronomy
October 6, 2007

Event Description: Did you know that the Fort Ancient Indians who lived at SunWatch constructed their village as a giant solar calendar? Learn about ancient and modern astronomy.
Date/Time: Saturday, October 6, 2007; 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location of Event: SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park. 2301 West River Road, Dayton, Ohio 45418
Sponsoring Organization: Dayton Society of Natural History
Fees: General admission fees apply ($5/adults, $3/seniors and students, Free/museum members).
Pre-registration: No
Participant Ages: All ages
Contact Information:
Andrew Sawyer, SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park
Phone: 937-268-8199 (extension 111)
Email: asawyer@sunwatch.org
Web: http://www.sunwatch.org/

SunWatch Artifact Identification Day
October 7, 2006

Event Description: Visitors are invited to bring in their artifacts for identification, including the date range of manufacture and use, as well as the artifact’s purpose.
Date/Time: Sunday, October 7, 2007; 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location of Event: SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park. 2301 West River Road, Dayton, Ohio 45418
Sponsoring Organization: Dayton Society of Natural History
Fees: Event is free; Admission fees apply for entrance to museum exhibits and site ($5/adults, $3/seniors and students, Free/museum members).
Pre-registration: No
Participant Ages: All ages
Contact Information:
Lynn Simonelli, Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
Phone: 937-275-7431 (extension 130)
Email: lsimonelli@boonshoftmuseum.org
Web: www.boonshoftmuseum.org; http://www.sunwatch.org/

Fort Ancient Fall Hike
October 20 & 21, 2007

Event Description: Visitors will have a chance to learn about the archaeological history of the site while enjoying the fall colors. The guided hike covers American Indian heritage and new information about the recent archaeological investigations that have occurred at the site.
Date/Time: Saturday & Sunday, October 20 & 21, 2007; 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Location of Event: Fort Ancient State Memorial, 6123 St Rt. 350, Oregonia, Ohio 45054
Sponsoring Organization: Ohio Historical Society
Fees: Standard site admission fees apply ($7/adult, $3/child, Free/OHS members).
Pre-registration: No
Participant Ages: All ages
Contact Information:
Jack Blosser, Ohio Historical Society
Phone: 513-932-4421
Email: jblosser@ohiohistory.org
Web: www.ohiohistory.org

SunWatch 2007 Archaeology of Ohio Lecture Series: Development of Pottery in Ohio
October 27, 2007

Event Description: Thomas Grooms, a specialist in the replication of prehistoric pottery, will discussion the development of pottery in Ohio.
Date/Time: Saturday, October 27, 2007; 10:30 a.m. to noon
Location of Event: SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park. 2301 West River Road, Dayton, Ohio 45418
Sponsoring Organization: Dayton Society of Natural History
Fees: Lecture is free; Admission fees apply for entrance to museum exhibits and site ($5/adults, $3/seniors and students, Free/museum members).
Pre-registration: No
Participant Ages: All ages
Contact Information:
Andrew Sawyer, SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park
Phone: 937-268-8199 (extension 111)
Email: asawyer@sunwatch.org
Web: http://www.sunwatch.org/

Thursday, September 06, 2007

Octagon Earthworks Open House

COME AND SEE A WONDER OF THE ANCIENT WORLD!

Date: 24 September 2007
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sponsor: Ohio Historical Society
Place: Octagon Earthworks, 125 N. 33rd Street, Newark, Ohio

Join Ohio Historical Society archaeologist Brad Lepper and other OHS staff and volunteers at the ancient Octagon Earthworks for a day of fun and exploration at a site that ordinarily has restricted access.

For the duration of the Open House, the entire site will be open to the public and there will be specially guided tours offered at the following times: 10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:30 p.m. & 1:30 p.m. There also will be flintknapping demonstrations, lectures, and activities for kids throughout the day.

Special guest Dr. Michael Mickelson, from Denison University, will give a talk on how ancient people around the world developed calendars and marked time with monuments like Stonehenge and the Newark Earthworks. Dr. Mickelson will give his presentation at the main activity tent at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.


For more information, go to the Ohio Historical Society's Octagon Earthworks webpage http://ohsweb.ohiohistory.org/places/c08/octagon.shtml , or contact Jim Kingery at 1-800-600-7178.