Lecture and Book Signing with John E. Hancock

Join us on June 18 at the Octagon Earthworks Visitor Center for a special evening celebrating the release of John E. Hancock’s new book, Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks: Landscape Monuments of the Ancient Ohio Valley.
Event Schedule
• Doors open: 6:30 PM
• Lecture begins: 7:00 PM
John Hancock will share the story behind Ohio’s remarkable Hopewell earthworks and how eight of these architectural masterpieces became UNESCO World Heritage Sites. He will also discuss how this new Smithsonian publication presents the latest knowledge about their astonishing scope, subtle beauty, and the brilliant Indigenous designers and builders who created them nearly 2,000 years ago.
• Book signing: Immediately following the lecture. Books will be available for purchase.
Admission
• $10 per person
• Free for OHC members
• Free for students with valid ID
About the Book
Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks presents Ohio’s eight UNESCO-inscribed earthworks in a richly illustrated volume from Smithsonian Books. This expanded and re-edited edition of the sites’ World Heritage nomination dossier was produced in collaboration with the Ohio History Connection and the National Park Service. The book features illustrated descriptions and histories of these Indigenous masterpieces, summaries of archaeological research, insights from American Indian scholars and leaders, and discussions of the earthworks’ design, construction, and cultural significance.
About the Author
John E. Hancock taught architecture, design, and history at the University of Cincinnati for 40 years. He has produced numerous multimedia exhibits and publications about Ohio’s earthworks and served as the principal author and photographer for the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks UNESCO World Heritage nomination. In addition to this Smithsonian publication (April 2026), he has also released Traveler’s Guide to Ancient Ohio (April 2026).
Come learn about one of the world’s greatest ancient landscapes and meet the author behind this exciting new publication!