CINCINNATI, Sept. 20, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Come and discover Ohio's rich heritage this October during the sixth annual Ohio Archaeology Month. The public is invited to enjoy numerous statewide educational events highlighting Ohio's heritage and illustrating the scientific methods employed by modern archaeologists.
When did Native Americans first invent the bow and arrow? Did ancient astronomers observe the movements of the moon and stars from within their earthworks 2000 years ago? Were the builders of central Ohio's mounds and earthworks the lost tribe of Israel? Did Native Americans kill, and butcher, a 5-ton mastodon in central Ohio over 10,000 years ago? Archaeologists have been trying to answer these questions, and many others, by studying the remains of past human cultures across the state. How much have archaeologists learned? The public is invited to find out this October as part of the sixth annual Ohio Archaeology Month. This annual event promotes awareness of Ohio's cultural heritage -- 12,000 years in the making. Nineteen events are planned this year, each designed to highlight archaeological research in Ohio. Events include tours of local museums/parks, demonstrations of ancient technology, prehistoric and historic artifact identification sessions, and several public presentations by Ohio archaeologists, among many others.
Please visit the Ohio Archaeological Council's website at www.ohioarchaeology.org to learn more and view a schedule of events. For questions or additional information, contact Matthew Purtill, Chair of Ohio Archaeological Council Education Committee, at (513) 287-7700, or email mpurtill@graypape.com. The 2006 Ohio Archaeology Month is a volunteer effort jointly sponsored by the Ohio Archaeological Council and several state and local museums and educational programs.