OREGONIA - It's a classroom, but there are no desks, and no teacher has prepared a lesson plan.

        Instead, the space at Fort Ancient's visitor center invites families to come inside and explore the world of prehistoric people who lived in southern Ohio.

Muralist Maggie Sexton turns the corner and works on another wall at the Sprint Center of Learning. (Michael Snyder photo) | ZOOM |

        The new room, called the Sprint Center of Learning, is a work in progress, said Fort Ancient's education specialist Brigitte Hisey. Local artist Maggie Sexton is painting murals on the classroom walls and the two women have devised games and other learning activities that will appeal to adults and children.

        “Our goal was to make it so the public could come in and enjoy activities on their own,” said Ms. Hisey. “We're hoping to have the room done by our Celebration June 9 and 10.”

        “I like to paint murals, mostly things that children enjoy,” Ms. Sexton said, adding that her own children were attracted to exhibits that required their participation.

        Having completed a mural of animals, she's moving on to a plant wall, depicting those used by American Indians for cooking, crafts or healing. Afterward, she'll tackle archaeology. Each subject area is complemented by hands-on activities. The archaeology area features a time-line puzzle to assemble and artifacts to uncover in several digging trays.

This display shows how bone needles were used to make shoes and clothing in ancient times. | ZOOM |

        A small wigwam stands in another part of the room. Inside it are musical instruments made of natural materials.

        “We plan to put a big, soft storytelling doll in front of the wigwam,” Ms. Sexton said. “Children will be able to wrap themselves in her arms and hear stories on tape.”

        Ms. Sexton has completed the game corner, where visitors can pretend they're seated under a tree. Some of the tree's “leaves” bear facts about American Indians.

IF YOU GO

What: Fort Ancient State Memorial.    Where: East of Lebanon on Ohio 350.    When: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, through April 30, daily after May 1.    Admission: $5 adults, $1.25 children 6-12. Family season pass, $25.    Information: 932-4421

        The painter said that she and Ms. Hisey probably spend half their time researching so they present the early cultures accurately. Exhibits and activities emphasize the importance of environment to American Indians.

        Funding for the classroom came from a gift from Sprint, which provides telecommunications services to many Warren County communities. Woodworking volunteers at Lebanon's Otterbein retirement community crafted cabinets and other furnishings for the learning center.

        The new classroom expands on exhibits in Fort Ancient's museum, an interpretive center that opened in spring 1998. It's part of the site's plan to boost its programs and attract more visitors.

        “This is going to be a draw for families this summer,” said Jack Blosser, Fort Ancient site manager. “In order to keep visitors coming back, we want to provide something new for them.”
       

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