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Flint Knapper Ed Moreland, Hopewell Mound Group, 1:00 p.m.
March 28—Flint Knapper Ed Moreland, Hopewell Mound Group, 1:00 p.m.
Ed Moreland, will demonstrate flint knapping for the public. A discussion of the history of flint knapping and the knapping process will be followed by a live demonstration. Learn about this ancient technology.
Understanding the early career of Warren K. Moorehead
Join Dr. Timothy Everhart for a presentation, April 16, 6 p.m. at Ohio University Chillicothe, Bennett Hall, Room 110.
Warren King Moorehead is among the most noteworthy and notorious figures in the early history of American Archaeology. Over the course of his career, he led excavations at many of the best-known Indigenous heritage places in North America, including Cahokia, Fort Ancient, Pueblo Bonito, and Hopewell Mound Group, to name just a few. During his life and in the time since, his career has attracted an amount of assessment that stands in disproportion to the biographical attention it has received. Detailed historiographical attention is critical for several reasons. Foremost is the need by archaeologists, museum professionals, and Tribal heritage practitioners to establish the specific contexts of Moorehead’s work and assess its impacts on Indigenous heritage. Additionally, Moorehead’s career is perhaps the most illuminating case study for understanding the discipline’s period of professionalization. This presentation will discuss Moorehead’s early career, with particular attention to his 1891-1892 work at the Hopewell Mound Group.
Free and Open to the Public
EXPLORING THE FORT ANCIENT EARTHWORKS By Bill Kennedy, Site Superintendent at Fort Ancient Earthworks and Nature Preserve in Oregonia.
Bill Kennedy will take us through the remarkable landscape of Fort Ancient, built high on a bluff overlooking the Little Miami River. He highlights the site’s miles of trails, its massive earthen embankments—some rising 23 feet—and the sophisticated astronomical alignments built into the earthworks. With more than 67 gateways, the design encourages movement, gathering, and community, reflecting the intentions of the people who shaped this place one basket of soil at a time.
Bill also explores Morehead Circle near the museum, where evidence of a woodhenge—a ring of wooden posts—suggests that ceremonies and sacred gatherings once took place. Through his presentation, we gain a deeper understanding of Fort Ancient as both a natural sanctuary and a ceremonial landscape.
Daily 10am tours of Mound City begin
May 23 – daily 10am tours of Mound City begin, 1 hour in length, seven days a week
Meet author John Hancock for a book talk and signing
Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks - Landscape Monuments of the Ancient Ohio Valley
Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks presents Ohio’s eight UNESCO-inscribed earthworks in a public-voiced, lavishly illustrated volume from Smithsonian Books. A re-edited expansion of the sites’ World Heritage nomination dossier—completed in collaboration with the Ohio History Connection and the National Park Service—it features illustrated descriptions and histories of these Indigenous masterpieces, with summaries of their archaeological research, architectural experience, and insights from American Indian scholars and leaders. Other chapters cover the World Heritage criteria and process, the earthwork builder’s design and construction skills, the Hopewell culture’s artistry and other major monuments, and modern tribal involvements with these places.
Location: Ohio University Chillicothe, Stevenson Center
Books will be available to purchase at the event. Reception hosted by Friends of Hopewell Culture National Historical Park.
Free and Open to the public but registration is required and limited to 100. Register at https://forms.gle/VJsBMbyWtsYUCoM86.
Ranger-led Tour of Hopewell Mound Group
Ranger-led Tour of Hopewell Mound Group. 10:00am – 12:00pm
Hopewell Mound Group Highlights -
Hopewell Mound Group Highlights - 10:00am– 1:00pm, Rangers will be stationed throughout the site at key locations. Visitors will walk self-guided to view what they want and take deeper dives into conversations with rangers under tents.
Ranger-led Tour of Seip Earthworks
Ranger-led Tour of Seip Earthworks 10:00am – 12:00pm
Seip Earthworks Highlights
Seip Earthworks Highlights – 10:00am – 1:00pm, Rangers will be stationed throughout the site at key locations. Visitors will walk self-guided to view what they want and take deeper dives into conversations with rangers under tents.
Ranger led Tour of Hopeton Earthworks
Ranger led Tour of Hopeton Earthworks 10:00am – 12:00pm
Ross County Fair
Hopewell Culture National Historical Park will have a booth in the Commercial Building at the fair again. Stop by and see park staff and the Friends of Hopewell CNHP.
Mound City Weekend Tours
August 9 through September 7 (Labor Day) – Mound City daily tours switch to Saturday and Sunday only, 10:00 am
Mound City Weekend Tours
August 9 through September 7 (Labor Day) – Mound City daily tours switch to Saturday and Sunday only, 10:00 am
Mound City Weekend Tours
August 9 through September 7 (Labor Day) – Mound City daily tours switch to Saturday and Sunday only, 10:00 am
Mound City Weekend Tours
August 9 through September 7 (Labor Day) – Mound City daily tours switch to Saturday and Sunday only, 10:00 am
Mound City Weekend Tours
August 9 through September 7 (Labor Day) – Mound City daily tours switch to Saturday and Sunday only, 10:00 am
Garlic Mustard Removal Training
Join us throughout the month of April to combat the invasive plant garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata)! Volunteers are required to attend one training session to receive information on proper identification and safety techniques for the removal of garlic mustard from park grounds.
Step 1: Choose one training date
Saturday, March 14
9 am, 11 am, or 1 pm
Call 740-774-1126 to sign up for one 30-minute training session to become a Garlic Mustard Volunteer!
OR
Training Tuesdays in April at 9 am
Simply show up for these training sessions to become a Garlic Mustard Volunteer!
Step 2: Stop by and help!
Once trained, Volunteers can stop by any day in April and volunteer any amount of time from 9 am to 3 pm, to help with garlic mustard removal.
Bags, gloves, insect repellant, and sunscreen will be provided.
Mound City Group is located at 16062 State Route 104, Chillicothe, OH 45601. The Mound City Group Visitor Center is open 7-days a week from 9:00am - 4:00pm. Parking lots and trails are open daylight hours.
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Reservation or Registration: Yes
Call the park at 740-774-1126 to sign-up for a training spot. Let us know if you would like the 9am, 11am or 1pm time slot.
Annual Meeting 6:00 p.m. OUC Room 110
February 12—Annual Meeting 6:00 p.m. OUC Room 110
Hosted by The Friends of Hopewell Culture National Historical Park and Ohio University Chillicothe
Dr. Tim Everhart, Acting Director of Resource Stewardship, will present new findings from the first three field seasons of the Hopewell Lifeways Project, a collaborative effort with citizens and representatives of four federally recognized Tribes that is shedding light on the daily lives of the builders of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks. Excavations at sites within the Hopeton and Seip Earthworks have uncovered evidence that is reshaping our understanding of the region’s agrarian history and how these sacred landscapes were used. Park Superintendent Chris Alford will also share updates on current improvement projects at Hopewell Culture NHP, highlighting efforts to enhance visitor experience and protect these nationally significant sites.
Miami History and Culture by Dani Tippman
Mark you calendars
January 7, 2026, at OUC Bennett Hall, Rm 110, join us for a special presentation featuring Dani Tippman, citizen of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and colleague of Logan York. Dani will share insights into the Miami History and Culture, followed by an engaging Q&A.
THE HOPEWELL CULTURE MARIETTA EARTHWORKS: NEW INFORMATION AND INSIGHTS
Save the Date
The Hopewell Culture Marietta Earthworks: New Information and Insights
Join us at 6:30 PM at Ohio University Chillicothe’s Bennett Hall, Room 110 for a special presentation by Wesley Clarke, Collections Manager and Archaeologist at The Castle Museum. A registered professional archaeologist, Clarke brings deep expertise in historiography, art history, and material culture analysis. His work blends rigorous scholarship with compelling storytelling, offering fresh insights into the past through thoughtful interpretation and preservation.
Monarch Tagging at Hopeton Earthworks
Join us Sunday, September 7th, to help capture and tag monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus)! As part of the Monarch Watch program, Hopewell Culture National Historical Park is helping a nationwide effort to study the amazing migration monarchs undertake every fall.
Nets and free handouts will be provided about butterflies and other wildlife. Make sure to bring water, sunscreen, and running shoes. Expect to walk and/or run a lot! All participants will need to complete a volunteer form. There are no restrooms at Hopeton Earthworks.
Park staff and volunteers will demonstrate safe and proper techniques for capturing and handling these delicate winged marvels. Once a monarch is carefully captured, they will receive a tag- which is a specially made sticker placed on their wings. Volunteers and scientists along the migration route throughout the country and Mexico can then easily observe the tag and thereby assist in tracking monarchs to their winter homes and back!
Rangers will be waiting to greet you near the parking lot to help guide you to the sampling location.
For more information, visit us on Facebook or at our website: www.nps.gov/hocu
Ross County America 250 TOUR250
Ross County America 250 TOUR250. Watch you email for announcement with all the details
America is about to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026 with national, state and local events.
The Hopewell Culture NHP and the Friends Group are supporting and participating in the Ross County America250 mile challenge. The TOUR250 challenge is simple: complete 250 miles between September 6th, 2025 and Independence Day 2026! Whether you walk, hike, bike, paddle, roll, or jog – track your miles using any fitness app or method you prefer and win some fun swag and prizes. Join us September 6th from 11-2 PM at Coppel Athletic Complex as we officially kick off the TOUR250 challenge in style! Coppel offers hiking, water, and paved trails, making it the perfect park to complete your first mile. Local trail experts will be available to map out all the best trails and set you up for success. We will also be grilling out and will have fun giveaways to get you prepared for your journey.
Visit http://visitchillicotheohio.com/america250.../tour250/ for everything you need to get started, like maps, conversion charts, hike schedules, giveaway locations, and more!
Bus trip to Great Council State Park and Ft. Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve
🚌 Explore Native American Heritage – Bus Trip on August 20! 🌿
Join us for a fascinating day exploring Ohio's Native American history! We'll visit Great Council State Park and Ft. Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve, with lunch included.
📍 Departs 8:30 a.m. from Ohio University Chillicothe
🕓 Returns by 4:30 p.m.
💲 $30 (HCNHP members) | $40 (non-members)
🥪 Includes boxed lunch & bottled water
Spots are limited to the first 50 participants—secure yours now!
📧 To register, email: friendsofhcnhp@gmail.com
📬 Send payment to: Friends of HCNHP, 328 Piatt Ave, Chillicothe, OH 45601
Let’s journey into Ohio’s rich cultural history together!
Seip Earthworks Ranger Guided Tour
Upcoming dates and locations for ranger guided tours. All tours will begin at 10 a.m.
Sunday, June 22, Hopeton Earthworks
Sunday, July 13, Hopewell Mound Group
Sunday, August 3, Seip Earthworks
Dragonfly Mercury Project
Dragonfly Mercury Project - Need Volunteers at Mound City
Join us Friday, July 25, 9:30 am to noon to learn about and help collect dragonfly nymphs!
Volunteers must:
Register – please call 740-774-1126
13 years or older
Be aware, the sampling site has rough terrain and swift currents and is off the normal trail
Hopewell Mound Group Ranger Guided Tour
Upcoming dates and locations for ranger guided tours. All tours will begin at 10 a.m.
Sunday, June 22, Hopeton Earthworks
Sunday, July 13, Hopewell Mound Group
Sunday, August 3, Seip Earthworks
Hopeton Earthworks Ranger Guided Tour
Upcoming dates and locations for ranger guided tours. All tours will begin at 10 a.m.
Sunday, June 22, Hopeton Earthworks
Sunday, July 13, Hopewell Mound Group
Sunday, August 3, Seip Earthworks
Major Standstill and Southern Moonrise Observation
Join Friends of Hopewell Culture National Historical Park for an extraordinary celestial event at Hopeton Earthworks on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Experience the awe-inspiring Major Standstill and Southern Moonrise Observation—a rare phenomenon not to be missed! Space is limited to 50 spots! Please arrive by 7:45 PM. Reserve your place for this amazing event before May 31st by emailing friendsofhcnhp@gmail.com. Download the event flyer by clicking here.
Mound City Daily Tour
Daily tours at Mound City will take place at 10 A.M. from May 24th to August 3rd. The visitor center will be open from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. Come immerse yourself in the rich past of this incredible site!
Mound City Daily Tour
Daily tours at Mound City will take place at 10 A.M. from May 24th to August 3rd. The visitor center will be open from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. Come immerse yourself in the rich past of this incredible site!
Mound City Daily Tour
Daily tours at Mound City will take place at 10 A.M. from May 24th to August 3rd. The visitor center will be open from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. Come immerse yourself in the rich past of this incredible site!
NPS Trivia Night at Tipplers
Mark your calendars for an evening of fun and knowledge! The NPS Trivia Night at Tipplers, 71 N. Paint Street, Chillicothe, Ohio is happening on May 17th at 6:30 P.M. Get ready to test your national park expertise while enjoying great company and fine wine. Whether you're a seasoned park enthusiast or just looking for a lively night out, this event promises engaging trivia, friendly competition, and perhaps even a few surprises.
Art in the Park student art exhibit "River Connections"
Open to the public each day at the Mound City Group Visitor Center Auditorium during daily hours.
World Heritage Week - 10am tour at Mound City Group
WORLD HERITAGE WEEK - April 12-18
April 12 - Ft. Ancient
April 13 - Great Circle at Newark
April 14 - Hopeton Earthworks, 10am tour
April 15 - Hopewell Mound Group, 10am tour
April 16 - Seip Earthworks, 10am tour
April 17 - Mound City Group, 10am tour
April 18 - Octagon at Newark, Spring Open House
World Heritage Week - 10am tour at Seip Earthworks
WORLD HERITAGE WEEK - April 12-18
April 12 - Ft. Ancient
April 13 - Great Circle at Newark
April 14 - Hopeton Earthworks, 10am tour
April 15 - Hopewell Mound Group, 10am tour
April 16 - Seip Earthworks, 10am tour
April 17 - Mound City Group, 10am tour
April 18 - Octagon at Newark, Spring Open House
World Heritage Week - 10am tour at Hopewell Mound Group
WORLD HERITAGE WEEK - April 12-18
April 12 - Ft. Ancient
April 13 - Great Circle at Newark
April 14 - Hopeton Earthworks, 10am tour
April 15 - Hopewell Mound Group, 10am tour
April 16 - Seip Earthworks, 10am tour
April 17 - Mound City Group, 10am tour
April 18 - Octagon at Newark, Spring Open House
World Heritage Week - 10am tour at Hopeton Earthworks
WORLD HERITAGE WEEK - April 12-18
April 12 - Ft. Ancient
April 13 - Great Circle at Newark
April 14 - Hopeton Earthworks, 10am tour
April 15 - Hopewell Mound Group, 10am tour
April 16 - Seip Earthworks, 10am tour
April 17 - Mound City Group, 10am tour
April 18 - Octagon at Newark, Spring Open House
Puppet Rangers: A Story of Shells and Stones
Puppet Rangers: A Story of Shells and Stones
Rangers and their adorable puppet friends – Hope the Raccoon and Will the Turkey - will be performing an exciting, engaging, and educational play that will take kids from Ohio to the far edges of the Hopewell Interaction Sphere. Along the way we will stop to imagine and interact with the awesome materials Native Americans used 2,000 years ago to craft their ceremonial objects.
Admission to the park and each activity is free!
All ages are welcome!
Each event takes place at the Mound City Visitor Center at 16062 OH-104, Chillicothe, Ohio, 45601
Junior Ranger activities are free and offered at the Visitor Center every day – come earn a badge!
Learn more: Puppet Rangers: A Story of Shells and Stones
Brad Lepper of Ohio History Connection presents The Burning Tree Mastodon and Ohio's Ice Age - Ohio University Chillicothe Auditorium, Bennett Hall
The 1989 discovery of this giant, ancient elephant-like creature opened an unprecedented window onto Ohio’s Ice Age. Archaeologists, biologists, and geologists studied the mastodon’s nearly complete remains (including its last meal) and other Ice Age animals and plants. This presentation will describe their findings and address the question of whether ancient human hunters or environmental changes drove mastodons into extinction.
Hosted by the Friends of Hopewell Culture Historical Park and Ohio University Chillicothe.
"Nothing About Us, Without Us" - Logan York and Dr. Kevin C. Nolan
"Nothing About Us, Without Us"
Mound City Group Visitor Center Auditorium
6:00 – Exhibit open and presenter setup
6:30 – Logan York (Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma) and Dr. Kevin C. Nolan (Director, Applied Anthropology Laboratories)
Learn about the planning process and Tribal collaboration for the St. Clair's Defeat Revisited exhibit.
Reading Ranger Series: When We Gather
Rangers will be leading guided readings and activities for the book When We Gather during the brand-new Reading Ranger series! Come learn about a modern-day Native American treat enjoyed by many people across North America. We will discover its roots, how to make it yourself at home (there are so many ways!) and how this food that is savored today compares to what Native Americans in Ohio 2,000 years ago were eating!
Admission to the park and each activity is free!
All ages are welcome!
Each event takes place at the Mound City Visitor Center at 16062 OH-104, Chillicothe, Ohio, 45601
Junior Ranger activities are free and offered at the Visitor Center every day – come earn a badge!
Learn more: Reading Ranger Series: When We Gather
Reading Ranger Series: When We Gather
Rangers will be leading guided readings and activities for the book When We Gather during the brand-new Reading Ranger series! Come learn about a modern-day Native American treat enjoyed by many people across North America. We will discover its roots, how to make it yourself at home (there are so many ways!) and how this food that is savored today compares to what Native Americans in Ohio 2,000 years ago were eating!
Admission to the park and each activity is free!
All ages are welcome!
Each event takes place at the Mound City Visitor Center at 16062 OH-104, Chillicothe, Ohio, 45601
Junior Ranger activities are free and offered at the Visitor Center every day – come earn a badge!
Learn more: Reading Ranger Series: When We Gather
Reading Ranger Series: When We Gather
Rangers will be leading guided readings and activities for the book When We Gather during the brand-new Reading Ranger series! Come learn about a modern-day Native American treat enjoyed by many people across North America. We will discover its roots, how to make it yourself at home (there are so many ways!) and how this food that is savored today compares to what Native Americans in Ohio 2,000 years ago were eating!
Admission to the park and each activity is free!
All ages are welcome!
Each event takes place at the Mound City Visitor Center at 16062 OH-104, Chillicothe, Ohio, 45601
Junior Ranger activities are free and offered at the Visitor Center every day – come earn a badge!
Learn more: Reading Ranger Series: When We Gather
Puppet Rangers: A Story of Shells and Stone
Rangers and their adorable puppet friends – Hope the Raccoon and Will the Turkey - will be performing an exciting, engaging, and educational play that will take kids from Ohio to the far edges of the Hopewell Interaction Sphere. Along the way we will stop to imagine and interact with the awesome materials Native Americans used 2,000 years ago to craft their ceremonial objects.
Admission to the park and each activity is free!
All ages are welcome!
Each event takes place at the Mound City Visitor Center at 16062 OH-104, Chillicothe, Ohio, 45601
Junior Ranger activities are free and offered at the Visitor Center every day – come earn a badge!
Learn more: Puppet Rangers: A Story of Shells and Stone
Reading Ranger Series: Fry Bread
Rangers will be leading guided readings and activities for the book Fry Bread during the brand-new Reading Ranger series! Come learn about a modern-day Native American treat enjoyed by many people across North America. We will discover its roots, how to make it yourself at home (there are so many ways!) and how this food that is savored today compares to what Native Americans in Ohio 2,000 years ago were eating!
Admission to the park and each activity is free!
All ages are welcome!
Each event takes place at the Mound City Visitor Center at 16062 OH-104, Chillicothe, Ohio, 45601
Junior Ranger activities are free and offered at the Visitor Center every day – come earn a badge!
Learn more: Reading Ranger Series: Fry Bread
Reading Ranger Series: Fry Bread
Rangers will be leading guided readings and activities for the book Fry Bread during the brand-new Reading Ranger series! Come learn about a modern-day Native American treat enjoyed by many people across North America. We will discover its roots, how to make it yourself at home (there are so many ways!) and how this food that is savored today compares to what Native Americans in Ohio 2,000 years ago were eating!
Admission to the park and each activity is free!
All ages are welcome!
Each event takes place at the Mound City Visitor Center at 16062 OH-104, Chillicothe, Ohio, 45601
Junior Ranger activities are free and offered at the Visitor Center every day – come earn a badge!
Learn more: Reading Ranger Series: Fry Bread