For Immediate Release

Open House Dates Set For Octagon Earthworks
Special activities slated on “golf-free” days at 2,000-year-old earthworks

(Columbus, Ohio, March 27, 2008) - The Ohio Historical Society will conduct four open house events at the Octagon Earthworks in 2008, allowing the entire site to operate “golf-free” on these days.

Octagon Earthworks will be open to the public daylight hours: April 13 and 14; May 4; and Oct. 19. Special programs will be offered free during specified hours on the days listed:

• Sunday, April 13 from noon to 4 p.m.
  Guided tours, Native American storytelling, presentation on archaeology and astronomy, flint knapping, native plant display of ancient peoples and hands-on at activities at History To Go van
• Monday, April 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  Guided tours, flint knapping, native plant display of ancient peoples and hands-on at activities at History To Go van
• Sunday, May 4 from noon to 4 p.m.
  Guided tours, flint knapping, Native American storytelling, presentation on corn husks dolls, native plant display of ancient peoples, hands-on at activities at History To Go van
• Sunday, October 19 from noon to 4:30 p.m.
  Guided tours, Native American storytelling, presentations on corn husk dolls and archaeology and astronomy, flint knapping, native plant display of ancient peoples and hands-on at activities at History To Go van

The Octagon Earthworks is a part of the Newark Earthworks, a complex that is 2,000 years old and at one time covered approximately four square miles. Scholars recognize it as the largest geometric earthworks ever created. Although much of it has been destroyed by more than a century of urban development, the most significant parts remaining are the Octagon, Great Circle and Wright earthworks. Together these three earthworks comprise the Newark Earthworks, one of 59 sites administered by the Ohio Historical Society. Currently, the sites are being considered for the World Heritage List, which recognizes natural and cultural sites of significance to all peoples of the world.

The Octagon Earthworks has operated as a golf course since 1910, and the Ohio Historical Society has administered the site since 1933. Moundbuilders Country Club leases the site from the Ohio Historical Society. While portions of the Octagon are open every day during daylight hours, the above dates are the only opportunities to see the entire site.

Visitors also are welcome to tour the earthworks on their own, but are asked to please stay off the mounds and golfing greens. There are no restroom facilities at the buildings. Admission is free. For further information, please call 740-344-1919 or 800-600-7178.

Established in 1885, the Ohio Historical Society is a nonprofit organization that serves as the state’s partner in preserving and interpreting Ohio’s history, archaeology and natural history. For more information about programs and events, call 614.295.2300/800.686.6124 or go online at www.ohiohistory.org.

Thank you for your interest in the Ohio Historical Society!