Once again this summer, Flint Ridge State Memorial near Brownsville, Ohio will sponsor a series of weekend programs that still include the very popular flint knapping demonstrations by highly skilled artisans to be complimented by a fresh series of excellent outside presentations ranging from making dream catchers, to Native American story telling, to prospecting for gold to taking a virtual mound and earthwork tour through Ohio. All in all there should be something of interest for just about everybody. For more information on any of the programs, call 740.787.2476 or 800.283.8707. Admission to the site is $4/adult, $3/child, OHS members get in FREE unless otherwise specified. Flint Ridge State memorial is located just off Interstate 70 between Newark and Zanesville about 3 miles north of Brownsville, or 6 miles south of State Route 16 on County Road 668.
Sunday May 25
Dream Catcher Workshop
Two Classes: 1:00 – 2:00 and 3:00 – 4:00
Nancy Good Heart Swartz of the Lower Ohio Eastern Mekoce will conduct Dream Catcher lessons. The legend states that while a person was asleep good dreams were allowed to slip through the Dream Catcher and into the sleeper while the bad dreams were caught in the Dream Catchers web. Join Nancy as she instructs participants in the construction of their very own Dream Catcher. Admission: $3 adult/child OHS member, 7$ per adult / $3child non-member. There will be an additional $3 material charge. Call 740-787-2476 or 1-800-600-7178 to register for one of the classes. Regular site admission otherwise.
Saturday June 7, 2008
Flint, Iron and Wood: Historical Tool Production
Noon-5 p.m.
Join the highly accomplished flint knapper Chris Stricklett as he demonstrates the ancient skill of shaping raw flint into spear points and other tools used by ancient Ohioans while master turner Floyd Anstaett demonstrates the fine art of turning bowls from hardwood. The importance of ironwork as a world-changing skill will be explored by blacksmith Robert Hulett and Spencer Northup will provide examples of modern day Kentucky long rifle reproductions that he will fire as part of his demonstration.
Regular admission.
Sunday June 8, 2008
Archaeology Road Show
Noon-5 p.m.
The public is invited to bring in those Native American artifacts or other curious stone objects that they may wish to have identified. OHS archaeologist Bill Pickard will be on hand to discuss them with you. Flint knapper Chris Stricklet will fashion fine flint points from various types of raw flint and show how point styles changed through the ages. Skeeter Kish will demonstrate how flint tools and weapons were hafted or attached to handles and spear shafts. This will be a fun and comprehensive way to learn about the stone tools used by ancient Ohioans.
Regular admission.
Saturday June 14, 2008
An Introduction to the Making of Primitive Bows and Arrows
1-3 p.m.
Phil Love will discuss the process of making primitive bows and arrows with examples showing the various stages of production. Examples of the different materials used will be available for those interested in learning how to recreate these primitive weapons for themselves.Regular admission.
Sunday June 22, 2008
Native American Storytelling
2-5 p.m.
Nancy Good Heart Swartz, presents a variety of Native American stories in the Flint Ridge Museum. She will also display Native American crafts, jewelry, clothing and moccasins while relating their significance
Regular admission.
Saturday June 28, 2008
A Day of Flint Knapping with Master Flint Knapper Roy Miller
Noon-5 p.m.
Roy is recognized as one of the finest flint knappers in North America. Dont miss this rare opportunity to watch a true master at work.
Regular admission.
Saturday July 12, 2008
Advanced Flint Knapping Techniques with Ed Moreland
Noon-5 p.m. Regular admission.
Friday Sunday July 18-20, 2008
Ohio Atlatl Association Practice and Competition
Friday, July 18, 1-5 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Experience the fun of throwing a long dart with a tool that dates back thousands of years called an atlatl during three days of practice, competition and fun sponsored by the Ohio Atlatl Association.
Saturday July 19
The Atlatl as an Ancient Hunting Tool – A lecture by Skeeter Kish
2 p.m.
Saturday July 19
Flint Knapping Workshop with Chris Miller and Phil Love
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1-2:30 p.m. (two sessions)
Participants will be provided flint flakes and pressure flaking tools to fashion flint points as the Ancient Ohioans did. This workshop is open to anyone 12 years and up. There will be a participation fee of $3 for adult / child OHS members and a $7adult / $3 child for OHS non-members. Please call to make reservations, specifying the workshop time. To register, call 740.787.2476 or 800.283.8707. Regular admission otherwise.
Sunday July 20
Flint Knapping in the Archaic Style with Chris Miller
Noon to 5 p.m.
Saturday July 26, 2008
Native American Pottery Workshop with Phil Love
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Phil leads this beginner’s workshop in pottery making using the same techniques of Ohio Native Americans. The class will begin with processing of the clay and lead into each participant’s actual construction of a pinch or coil pot. Instructions will be given on drying and firing the pot at home. To register, call 740.787.2476 or 800.283.8707. Workshop fee: $20/participant (adult or child).
Sunday July 27, 2008
Native American Storytelling with Nancy Good Heart Swartz, Part 2
2-5 p.m.
Nancy will return to the Flint Ridge museum to give a delightful and engaging presentation on Native American stories and story telling.
Saturday August 2, 2008
A Reconnection from the Past to the Present: Black Hand Gorge and Flint Ridge
2-7 p.m.
Mark Welsh of the Native American Indian Center of Central Ohio will lead a trail walk emphasizing the spiritual connection of Black Hand Gorge to Flint Ridge and the Newark Earthworks. This will also include the perspectives of a flint knapper concerning Flint Ridge and its rich supply of the colorful gemstone. Following the hike, participants are invited to stay for an optional Native American feast as prepared by Carol Welsh, executive director of NAICCO (there will be an $8 charge for the feast). Reservations are recommended. To register, call 740.787.2476 or 800.283.8707. Regular admission otherwise
Saturday August 9, 2008
Gold Panning & Flint Knapping with Chris Miller and Chris Stricklett
Noon-5 p.m.
Visitors are invited to join Chris Miller for a lesson in gold prospecting. Learn how to look for likely gold deposits, how glaciers affected gold deposits verses ore gold and see how tools of the trade such as a sluice box and digging tools were used. Visitors then get an opportunity to experience hands-on the life of a gold prospector. Miller and fellow flint knapper Chris Stricklett will also demonstrate the ancient art of flint knapping throughout the afternoon.
Regular admission.
Saturday August 16, 2008
Native American Storytelling with Nancy Good Heart Swartz, Part 3
2 p.m.-5 p.m.
Nancy will present a variety of Native American stories in the Flint Ridge museum.
Regular admission
Sunday August 17, 2008
Ohios Mounds and Earthworks: A Contemporary Perspective
2-3:30 p.m.
Visitors are invited to join archaeologist Bill Pickard on a virtual tour around Ohio exploring the recent history of some of the state’s ancient earthworks. Find out why some mounds, like those at Marietta were preserved while those at Newark and near Chillicothe didnt always fare so well. A Very Interesting Program. Regular admission
Friday Sunday, August 29-31
2008 Flint Ridge Knap-In
9 a.m.-5 p.m. each day.
The Ohio Historical Society and the Flint Ridge Lithic Society partner to present this unique gathering of individuals from all over the country who are skilled in the ancient craft of making tools and weapons from flint and other stone materials. It is perhaps the largest event of its type in the country, the “Grand-Daddy” of them all. There is a large selection of flint products for sale and flint knapping and other ancient skill technology demonstrations will be held throughout the event. On Saturday morning and afternoon, an archaeologist and a geologist will be present at the museum to identify artifacts, fossils and minerals and the public is invited to bring in those items they would like to have identified. There will also be long dart competitions sponsored by the Ohio Atlatl Association. Admission: $5/car parking fee. For information, call 740.787.2476 or 800.283.8707. For further information through the Flint Ridge Lithic Society contact Roy Miller 330-359-5590, Ed Moreland 740-625-5868 or Frank Slagle 740-787-2198
