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Witness ancient brilliance in each of the Hopewell earthworks

A memorable and enriching experience

Octagon Homeschool Days

Upcoming dates: June 26, 2026, July 24, 2026, August 28, 2026
Octagon Earthworks
125 N. 33rd St., Newark, OH 43055
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10:30–11:30 a.m.
Student - $8

Do you have a homeschooler looking for an educational and fun activity related to history? Well, come meet us at the Octagon Visitor Center for a drop-in program on the fourth Friday of each month! Admission will cover a short lesson in a small group learning environment and supplies for a hands-on activity that you can take home with you. This program is geared toward students 5-12 years of age, younger students are welcome to attend but will not be able to participate in the activity without one-on-one aid from a parent or guardian.

June 26th: Sun, Moon, Mounds
Join us for a homeschool program at the Octagon Earthworks as we explore the sun, the moon, and why they were important to the people of the Hopewell Culture. Students will enjoy hands-on activities and a guided tour of the earthworks while learning how the Octagon was carefully aligned with the moonrise. Discover how the Hopewell people observed the skies and connected astronomy to the landscape they built over 2,000 years ago.
July 24th: Building the Earthworks
Join us at the Octagon Earthworks to discover how the ancient earthworks were built by the people of the Hopewell Culture. Learners will explore the tools and techniques used to create the massive and precise circles and walls found at the site. Through hands-on activities and exploration of the earthworks, students will gain insight into the engineering and teamwork behind them and even build their own small-scale earthwork model.
August 28th: Pottery of the Past
Discover the art and science of pottery created by both the Hopewell and Fort Ancient cultures! In this hands-on homeschool program, students will learn how these ancient peoples crafted and used pottery in their daily lives. Participants will explore traditional designs, tools, and techniques while discovering what pottery can teach us about the past. Students will then create their own pottery piece to take home. Join us as we connect creativity, history, and archaeology through this interactive experience!