Archaeological history of Fort Ancient Earthworks and the World Heritage nomination

Bio for Jack Blosser: Fort Ancient Earthworks and Nature Preserve Program

Jack Blosser has been the site manager at fort Ancient Earthworks and Nature preserve for 31 years. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in History/Museology from the Defiance College in 1981, and his Master’s degree in anthropology with a specialty in Ohio Hopewell archaeology from the University of Cincinnati in 1990. He is employed by the Dayton Society of Natural History.

As site manager, Jack is responsible for the day to day operations of a 125 acres prehistoric enclosure surrounded by an additional 660 acres of Nature Preserve. He also manages a 12,000 square foot museum and precontact garden.

He is on the board of trustees for the YMCA Camp Kern and chairs their annual campaign, and a board member for the Warren County Project Excellence. Jack is also a trustee at large for the Ohio Local history Alliance where he serves on the Governance and Advocacy committees. And he serves on the Steering Committee for the Ohio World Heritage Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, preparing to nominate 8 Hopewell archaeological sites for inscription by 2021/2022.

Highlights of his career include the development of the BSA Revitalization Program that allows scouts to camp for the weekend in exchange for community service. In 29 years, 24,700 scouts have donated over 74,000 hours of community service, with an additional 183 completed Eagle Projects and 22,000 hours of service.

Jack also coordinated the annual Celebration event, working with federally recognized American Indians and people of Native descent for 25 years. Most recently, fort Ancient hosted the World Prayer and Peace week in June. People from around the world gathered to discuss their culture and the challenges they face holding on to it.

Jack says that his biggest achievement is being married to the same lady for 39 years and raising three beautiful daughters.

jblosser@fortancient.org