Governor DeWine calls Hopewell Earthworks potential as World Heritage site 'big deal'
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COLUMBUS − Gov. Mike DeWine called the possibility of the Hopewell Earthworks becoming a World Heritage site "a big deal" in his second inaugural address on Monday.
"In the coming days, we will have many significant opportunities to showcase Ohio and to tell the world that Ohio really is the 'heart of it all,' " the governor said.
"This summer, the World Heritage committee is expected to name Ohio’s 2,000-year-old Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks -- located in Ross, Warren, and Licking counties -- as a World Heritage site. This is a big deal."
The Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks nomination to the UNESCO World Heritage List includes the Newark Earthworks. Inscription on the World Heritage List would show the cultural significance of the site and bring international attention.
The Newark Earthworks, the largest set of geometric earthen enclosures in the world, includes the Octagon Earthworks, along with Wright Earthworks in Newark and the Great Circle in Newark and Heath.
"This special designation will draw people from all over the globe to our great state and will recognize that Ohio’s people -- even in ancient times -- played a pivotal role in transforming what is now Ohio into a sophisticated and prominent trading center," DeWine said.
Megan Wood, executive director and CEO of the Ohio History Connection, said the OHC had been made aware DeWine might mention World Heritage in his speech.
“We are truly excited to welcome the world to Ohio to visit the sites,” Wood said. “We agree with the governor. This is a big deal, and we’re fortunate to have that support from Gov. DeWine.”
Asked if the OHC and governor have been in contact about World Heritage and if the governor has taken an interest during the nomination process, Wood said, “We continue to update the governor and his office about our progress on World Heritage.”
Wood said there has been no new information, but the OHC remains optimistic about inscription onto the World Heritage List this summer. A year ago, the Hopewell Earthworks was on the World Heritage's tentative list.
Dick Shiels, emeritus associate professor of history and founding director of Ohio State University’s Newark Earthworks Center, reacted to the governor's comments.
“Terrific," Shiels said. "I think it’s wonderful. I couldn’t agree with him more. It’s the worldwide list of important sites. It will be the 25th within the United States.”
There are 1,154 World Heritage sites, including The Great Wall of China, the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Vatican City, the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, and Stonehenge in the United Kingdom. In the United States, World Heritage sites include Yellowstone, Everglades, Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Mammoth Cave national parks and the Statue of Liberty.
The Ohio History Connection owns the Octagon Earthworks site and leases it to Moundbuilders Country Club.
The Ohio Supreme Court ruled Dec. 7 against Moundbuilders Country Club in its appeal of lower court rulings allowing the Ohio History Connection to terminate the Newark golf course's lease of the property by eminent domain.
It has been operated as a golf course since 1910, but the Ohio Supreme Court ruled on Dec. 7 the OHC can take Moundbuilders Country Club by eminent domain and transform the golf course property into a public park. The court denied the club's motion to reconsider its decision on Dec. 20.
The decision ended four years of court battles and sets the stage for a jury trial in Licking County Common Pleas Court to determine the value of the lease and the amount OHC must pay Moundbuilders.
When DeWine was Ohio attorney general, his office made the decision to work with OHC on making the Octagon Earthworks a public park.
Shiels said, “The governor’s acknowledgement this is going to happen and is a major step forward for Ohio -- he's been silent all along.”
Some local residents have questioned if the World Heritage designation will bring many tourists here.
Shiels said, “Whether or not we draw huge numbers of people to Ohio, this is a legitimate recognition what we have in these sites are incredible accomplishments by American Indians right here in Ohio."
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This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Ohio Gov: Hopewell Earthworks potential for World Heritage 'big deal'
