The UpBEAT History Group continues to meet virtually.  Presenters range from local historical society associates to a variety of other community members who offer a wealth of information about historical interests.

Did you know that some of the remaining earthworks in the southeastern quadrant of the state have been nominated for World Heritage status, and, if given this status, would put them in a category with such world treasures as Stonehenge and the Leaning Tower of Pisa? Have you ever wondered who built these earthworks? Tom O’Grady will share the history of the Moundbuilders, Ohio’s first farmers. In addition to farming, the Moundbuilders also built an extensive system of conical, geometric and effigy earthworks. As early inhabitants of Ohio, the Moundbuilders were horticulturalists, hunters and gathers, engineers, astronomers and builders and had extensive trade connections. Many questions remain and researchers continue to strive to understand how such feats were accomplished. What historians and archeologists know about the Moundbuilders comes from studying the earthworks, the graves found in association with the works and from the study of remnants of habitations and disposal sites nearby. Join us virtually, by computer or phone on Thursday, October 22, from 10-11 a.m. to learn more.

Tom O’Grady, director of development and outreach and director emeritus of the Southeast Ohio History Center, has spent a good deal of the past 25 years as a student of Ohio history, researching its geography and settlement, the Moundbuilders, Ohio’s canals and several of its interesting characters and their stories.

To learn how you can join us virtually (by computer or phone), please call Caitlin Bond, UpBEAT Program Coordinator at (740) 566.4680.

UpBEAT (Be Educated and Active Together) is a program for those 55 years and older. Membership is free. To join UpBEAT and receive our monthly newsletter, or for program information, call Caitlin Bond, UpBEAT Program Coordinator, at (740) 566.4680.