BARNESVILLE — The Belmont County Historical Society is sponsoring a field trip to Newark Earthworks and Flint Ridge in Ohio on July 25.

John Boilegh, an anthropologist with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, will lead the tour.

The Newark Earthworks are the largest set of geometric earthen enclosures in the world. Already a National Historic Landmark, in 2006, the State of Ohio designated the Newark Earthworks as “the official prehistoric monument of the state.” Interpretive signage around the park will help to explain the significance of the site and why American Indians regard the Newark Earthworks as a sacred site.

Please note, the parking lots are a moderate distance from earthworks and museum.

A paved path with some steps provides access to the museum but there is no direct walkway to the center of the Great Circle.

Flint Ridge is a nearly 8-mile-long vein of high-quality flint located in Licking and Muskingum counties of Eastern Ohio. Hundreds of quarry pits and workshop sites are scattered across more than 2,000 acres of ridge top.

Flint Ridge seems to have been well known in the ancient world, as small amounts of it have been found at Native American sites across the present-day eastern United States.

Meet our leader John Boilegh at the Belmont County Victorian Mansion Museum at 532 N. Chestnut Street, Barnesville, to carpool and coordinate the drive at 8:30 a.m. on July 25. There is no fee to attend; however, there may be a donation request at the two sites. Lunch will be on your own.

For more information on this and future events, visit the museum’s website at belmontcountymuseum.com. Information can also be found on the museum’s Facebook page at facebook.com/BelmontCountyVictorianMansion and on Instagram at instagram.com/belmontcountymuseum.