The Longest Walk 2

OHS agrees to go ahead with study on mounds

By TIFFANY AUMANN

ADVOCATE REPORTER

COLUMBUS – The Ohio Historical Society Board of Trustees voted unanimously Friday to move forward with the National Park Service study to evaluate the feasibility of the Newark Earthworks becoming affiliated with or becoming part of the national park system.

   The study could have implications for all three sites in the Newark Earthworks- the Great Circle Earthworks, the Wright Earthworks and the Octagon Earthworks,. Findings would take about a year, and if adopted by the board would need to be approved by the Ohio General Assembly and the U.S. Congress.

   The Octagon Earthworks currently are leased by Moundbuilders Country Club, which has butted heads with the Ohio Historical Society and local mounds enthusiasts who want to see more public access to the site.

   OHS Executive Director William Laidlaw said the country club has a been a good steward of the grounds, preserving the area from encroaching development, but with public awareness and interest in the earthworks building, preparation for tourism should be considered. An observation tower stands next to the country club, but access to the property has been limited to four days this year because of the site’s primary function as a private golf course.

   “If you can’t go inside the enclosure you don’t have access,” said Pat Mason, historian for Friends of the Mounds. “I think this is a positive move. I think (OHS) is realizing they need to manage the site a little better.”

   Mason was one of about half a dozen supporters of the Newark Earthworks who attended the boards meeting at Ohio Historical Society headquarters in Columbus.

   Wayne Sorenson, general manager of Moundbuilders Country Club, was not in attendance. He said at this time he does not have a comment on the board’s action because it doesn’t have any specifics attached. The country club has a lease with the historical society through 2078.

   “I think it’s a bit premature,” he said. “There is nothing to respond to”.

   Laidlaw said the society plans to let the park service take the lead in offering recommendations on how to move forward. To h is knowledge, a buyout of Moundbuilders’ lease has not been discussed.

   “That may not be in the cards for them.: he said

   In addition to the access issues, the board of trustees cited budget pressures as the main impetus behind seeking the assistance of the National Park Service.

   Kim Schuette, OHS media relations manager, said the Ohio Historical Society has the largest site system in the country,. However, state funding – which makes up 60% of the nonprofit organizations funding- has been shrinking.

   Of the Ohio Historical Society’s 58 sites, 29 now are managed by other parties. The board voted Friday to transfer ownership of Seip Mound in Chillicothe to the National Park Service. They also voted to enter into an agreement with Dennison Railroad Depot Museum to manage the Schoenbrunn village.

   “The old business model is somewhat in peril,” Laidlaw said. “We need to find a new one, one that is less reliant on the state. We need to find a way to go on offense. That means no more spreading ourselves over too many product lines.”

   Several trustees shared comments on the Newark Earthworks proposal, all supporting the effort to seek outside counsel. They emphasized the motion was for a study only.

   “this course of action does not commit us to any particular course of action,” said George Kane, director of facilities management.

   “I view this study as more information for us that someone else is doing.” OHS Trustee Richard Prasse said.

   Nonetheless, supporters of the earthworks viewed the vote as a positive first step.

   “I know that this is only a study; this is not a fait accompli that will end up in the hands of the park service,” said John Jackson, Denison University professor and co-chairman of Friends of the Mounds. However, he added “I think it’s a great idea because it would help to elevate the visibility of the site nationally.”

Tiffany Aumann can be reached at (740)328-8544

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