Global Recognition Celebrated Locally for Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks

Fifteen years of work to gain worldwide recognition was commemorated Saturday at a prehistoric earthwork north of Chillicothe.

The “Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks UNESCO World Heritage Commemoration Ceremony” October 14th was at Mound City, the headquarters of Hopewell Culture National Historical Park. It was one of three celebrations representing the eight constituent earthwork parks.

The invitation to the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks UNESCO World Heritage Commemoration Ceremony

The event included speakers from the National Park Service, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, and the leader of a major tribal partner in the process – Glenna Wallace, Chief of the Eastern Shawnees.

She gave the keynote speech, talking about how she first learned about the Hopewell earthworks in Ohio on a visit from Missouri – and how interpretation of them earned her support by helping to portray American Indians not as “savages,” but as people with genius.

Hear part of her speech below - as well as an interview with Jen Altman, Project Director of the World Heritage Inscription for the Ohio History Connection, who emceed the event - in the full story on the Scioto Post.

Kevin Coleman covers local government and culture for the Scioto Post and iHeart Media Southern Ohio. For stories or questions, contact Kevin Coleman or the iHeart Southern Ohio Newsroom.

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    Glenna Wallace, Chief of the Eastern Shawnees, gives the keynote address in the "Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks UNESCO World Heritage Commemoration Ceremony" October 14th, 2023.

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    The "Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks UNESCO World Heritage Commemoration Ceremony" October 14th was at *Mound City, the headquarters of Hopewell Culture National Historical Park.

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    A temporary plaque for Mound City as part of the "Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks"is unveiled by (from left) Megan Wood, Executive Director of the Ohio History Connection; Ohio Governor Mike DeWine; Chris Alford, Superintendent of Hopewell Culture National Historical Park; Chuck Sams, Director of the National Park Service; Glenna Wallace, Chief of the Eastern Shawnees; and Jen Altman, Project Director of the World Heritage Inscription for the Ohio History Connection.

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