The hike will feature very specific interpretation areas along the Earthworks trail that will allow the public to view one full mile of the earth walls.
Featuring hiking trails and a museum on the grounds, Fort Ancient is comprised of an 18,000-foot network of earthen mounds built by American Indians nearly 2,000 years ago. Current research shows that portions of the walls were constructed to use the movements of the sun and moon to create a calendar system for these peoples.
At specific locations, an interpreter will provide information about an interesting aspect of one of several topics; the archaeological history of Fort Ancient, prehistoric diets of domesticated plants and wild animals, the use of prehistoric stone tools, the many uses of deer bone and deer hide, and fire starting.
After the hike, visitors will gather back at the museum to warm up with some coffee or hot chocolate, and guests will have the opportunity to choose from either venison stew or beef stew.
The museum at Fort Ancient offers 9,000 square feet of exhibit space that illustrates three technological themes of prehistory: the First Ohioans (the Paleo and Archaic cultures), Tillers of the Soil (Adena, Hopewell and Fort Ancient cultures), and When Worlds Collide (European contact in Ohio).
In the museum there is also a hands on classroom where children of any age can play on a pow-wow style drum and use rattles, dress up in 18th century clothing, touch replicated artifacts of Ohio Valley prehistory, and piece together several puzzles of pottery, a deer bone puzzle, and sort artifacts from a box.
Participation in the hike is included with regular museum admission: $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $4 for youth ages 6-12. Dayton Society of Natural History and Ohio Historical Society members are admitted free.
For more information about Fort Ancient, visit www.fortancient.org or call (513) 932-4421.
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