Newark Earthworks Lecture Series
Upcoming dates: June 18, 2026, July 16, 2026, August 20, 2026
7-8 p.m.
Adult - $10
Student (including university/college students) - $5
Ohio History Connection member - Free
Join us at the Octagon Earthworks Visitor Center on the third Thursday of each month as we welcome experts from multiple fields speaking on topics connected to how we understand and learn about Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks; from archaeological and indigenous perspectives to stories about how Earthworks have been preserved and protected.
This program is geared toward adults (ages 18+) although we encourage high schoolers to attend as well. The program will consist of a 45-minute talk given by an expert and a 15-minute question-and-answer session. Doors will open at 6:30 pm, the lecture will begin promptly at 7 p.m.
Admission: $10/adult; Free/Ohio History Connection member or student with ID. Tickets are purchased on site. No advance registration is available.
Thursday, June 18:
Join us for a special evening celebrating the release of John E. Hancock’s new book, Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks: Landscape Monuments of the Ancient Ohio Valley.
Event Schedule
Doors open: 6:30 p.m.
Lecture begins at 7 p.m.
John Hancock will share the story behind Ohio’s remarkable Hopewell earthworks and how eight of these architectural masterpieces became UNESCO World Heritage Sites. He will also discuss how this new Smithsonian publication presents the latest knowledge about their astonishing scope, subtle beauty, and the brilliant Indigenous designers and builders who created them nearly 2,000 years ago.
Doors open: 6:30 p.m.
Lecture begins at 7 p.m.
John Hancock will share the story behind Ohio’s remarkable Hopewell earthworks and how eight of these architectural masterpieces became UNESCO World Heritage Sites. He will also discuss how this new Smithsonian publication presents the latest knowledge about their astonishing scope, subtle beauty, and the brilliant Indigenous designers and builders who created them nearly 2,000 years ago.
Book signing: Immediately following the lecture. Books will be available for purchase.
About the Book
Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks presents Ohio’s eight UNESCO-inscribed earthworks in a richly illustrated volume from Smithsonian Books. This expanded and re-edited edition of the sites’ World Heritage nomination dossier was produced in collaboration with the Ohio History Connection and the National Park Service. The book features illustrated descriptions and histories of these Indigenous masterpieces, summaries of archaeological research, insights from American Indian scholars and leaders, and discussions of the earthworks’ design, construction, and cultural significance.
Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks presents Ohio’s eight UNESCO-inscribed earthworks in a richly illustrated volume from Smithsonian Books. This expanded and re-edited edition of the sites’ World Heritage nomination dossier was produced in collaboration with the Ohio History Connection and the National Park Service. The book features illustrated descriptions and histories of these Indigenous masterpieces, summaries of archaeological research, insights from American Indian scholars and leaders, and discussions of the earthworks’ design, construction, and cultural significance.
About the Author
John E. Hancock taught architecture, design, and history at the University of Cincinnati for 40 years. He has produced numerous multimedia exhibits and publications about Ohio’s earthworks and served as the principal author and photographer for the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks UNESCO World Heritage nomination. In addition to this Smithsonian publication (April 2026), he has also released Traveler’s Guide to Ancient Ohio (April 2026).
John E. Hancock taught architecture, design, and history at the University of Cincinnati for 40 years. He has produced numerous multimedia exhibits and publications about Ohio’s earthworks and served as the principal author and photographer for the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks UNESCO World Heritage nomination. In addition to this Smithsonian publication (April 2026), he has also released Traveler’s Guide to Ancient Ohio (April 2026).
Come learn about one of the world’s greatest ancient landscapes and meet the author behind this exciting new publication!
Follow us on social media to learn about our speakers:
Newark Earthworks Facebook
Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks Facebook