The Castle will host its annual Solstice Watch from 4-5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21.

The Castle’s archaeologist, Wes Clarke, will present a special Winter Solstice Watch at Sacra Via Park, where the setting sun aligns with the prehistoric earthworks known as Sacra Via.

Large prehistoric earthwork complexes, like the one found in Marietta, were designed in part to track the passage of the seasons through astronomical observations. During this program, Clarke will discuss the celestial alignments of Marietta’s mound structures and their significance to the region’s Native American builders.

Clarke is a Registered Professional Archaeologist with over 45 years of experience conducting research in the American Midwest and Southeast Asia. His work focuses on early historic pottery, Ohio art history, and the development of early settlements in both Ohio and Southeast Asia. Clarke has published extensively on these subjects and currently serves as Manager of Collections at The Castle Museum, where he leads excavations at the historic Clark family pottery site.

To learn more or register, visit https://mariettacastle.org/events

The Castle, built in 1855, offers a wide array of tours, educational opportunities, and programs. Tours are available starting in April and many history-related events are held throughout the year. Offerings include: local historical mock trials, food history, archaeology, summer camps, school and scout education, cemetery tours, teas and luncheons, wedding and facility rental, and much more.