Serpent Mound stands as one of the state’s most well-known examples of the prolific earthen artwork of Ohio’s ancient cultures. It is, in fact, one of the largest effigy mounds in the world. On Saturday, Aug. 20, visitors will be given an opportunity to learn about these ancient peoples and their works during Archaeology Day.
One highlight of the day will be the opportunity for visitors to bring their own artifact finds in for identification. Professional archaeologist Bill Pickard from the Ohio History Connections will be on site all day to help identify those stone tools or arrowheads you may have inherited or found in streams and farm fields.
Many local artifact collectors will have their collections on display throughout the park for visitors to view. Demonstrations of Native American skills such as flint knapping, ancient pottery making, fires starting, tool usage, and atlatl throwing will take place. Three keynote speakers will give talks on different Archaeological data. At 11 a.m. Dr. Keith Milam, Ohio University professor, will be presenting his finds on the Serpent Mound Disturbance, which is an eroded meteorite impact crater in Ohio. At 1 p.m. Dr. William Kennedy will be speaking about the prehistoric architecture and will give examples of full-scale rebuilt structures from the late Prehistoric period. Then at 3 p.m. Dr. Brad Lepper will be speaking about the Newark Earthworks, the largest set of geometric enclosures in the world.
Serpent Mound site manager Tim Goodwin, says “This event has something for everyone.”
For the kids there will be face painting and Native American games taking place throughout the day. There will be also be two musicians playing during the event: Steve Free, who is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning, Native American singer/songwriter and recording artist, and John De Boer and the Miami Valley Flute Circle will be playing Native American flute music.
While at Serpent Mound, visitors can take advantage of seeing the museum, touring the mound and walking the half- mile nature trail down below the cliff, upon which the effigy is located. The event is free with an $8 car parking fee. Arc of Appalachia members and OHC members can park for free.
To learn more about this event, visit http://arcofappalachia.org/archaeology-day/. For any questions you can call 937-365-1935 or email [email protected].
Submitted by Kayla Hanning, visitor services coordinator, Arc of Appalachia.
