Local history was recently appraised by a renowned archaeology professional.
Mick Van Steen evaluated a frame of Clinton County pre-historic artifacts, which were recently donated to the Clinton County History Center. Van Steen is the immediate past president of the Archaeology Society of Ohio, the largest and oldest archaeology society in the United States.
The group’s journal, “Ohio Archaeologist,” is dedicated to the study of archaeology with special emphasis on Ohio artifacts. The “Ohio Archaeologist” is published quarterly and is one of the finest in its field, showcasing Ohio’s rich archaeological past. Further information on The Archaeological Society of Ohio can be found at www.OhioArch.org.
The opportunity to have Van Steen review the Center’s recent acquisition was organized by longtime member, Roger Vaughan. Vaughan is an avid supporter of the Center and took a particular interest in the new acquisition in 2022.
Originally thought to be arrowheads, after closer inspection by Van Steen they were determined to be “points” or “notch points” from around the state of Ohio. Many of the items date to the Hopewell, Ohio Thebes, Ft. Ancient, and Archaic time periods – possibly as far back as 6,000 B.C. An entire breakdown of the 75 individual objects can be found on display at the History Center.
Shelby Boatman, director of the Center, reports that the previous “Relic Room” was remodeled and updated in 2021 so as to tell a wider and more comprehensive story about Clinton County’s past, before its founding in 1810.
“We know there were people and animals here well before Clinton County became a county in 1810. It is our goal to make sure their stories are told too,” said Boatman.
The “Pre-History & Native American Heritage Room” now contains many fine examples of local area artifacts, including a 10,000-year-old mastodon tusk, replica Wilmington Tablet, and photographic works of Karl Moon.
The Center is set to reopen March 23-25 for the 2023 season. Public visiting hours for the museum include: Thursday & Fridays 1-4 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
To learn more about the Clinton County History Center, located at 149 E. Locust St. in Wilmington, please visit www.ClintonCountyHistory.org
Originally published online in the Wilmington News Journal, 3/20/2023