SunWatch : Programs and Events : Special Events

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Special Events
Scout Day Print E-mail

Saturday Oct 16, 9:00 a.m. - noon

Scouts DayGroups from youth-serving organizations are invited to a special morning at SunWatch to learn about the history of this unique site through activities, games and crafts. Registration required. Fee; $6/person. 937–268–8199

Artifact Identification Day Print E-mail

Saturday, October 3, 2009 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.

fish hook pointsLet Dayton Society of Natural History archaeologists help you determine the origins of the hidden treasures in your home! We will identify archaeological materials that have been gathering dust under the bed or in the attic – arrowheads and spear points, axes, celts, bone tools, and whatever else you have. Artifact Identification Day is open to the general public and no advance registration is required. Included with regular admission.

SunWatch Scout Day Print E-mail
ScoutDayAt SunWatch
Saturday, October 23, 9:00 a.m. – noon

All Girl and Boy Scouts, Campfire Boys and Girls, and members of Y Adventure Programs are invited to attend special morning programs in the Museum and Village at SunWatch. Activity stations include archery and pump drill demonstrations, presentations on the history and culture of the Fort Ancient people, games, and crafts. Advance registration is required; cost is $6 per person. Call 937–268–8199, ext. 106.

Solstice Overnight Print E-mail
Solstice Overnight

At SunWatch
December 17-18
Friday, 6:30-Saturday, 9:00 a.m.

Celebrate the winter season by reliving the experience of Miami Valley’s early inhabitants. Enjoy an evening of activities before settling in for the night around an open hearth fire as you sleep in a reconstructed house and rise to discover the Fort Ancient people’s way of tracking seasons. Registration is required; space is limited. Cost: $25/person. Contact 937.268.8199, ext. 106 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Past Events

SunWatch Flute and Art Gathering Print E-mail

John DeBoerSaturday August 28, 2010 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Sunday August 29, 2010 10:00–5:00 p.m.

Enjoy performances by Native flutists from throughout the region, and view beautifully crafted Indian flutes from local and national vendors. Enjoy traditional American Indian storytelling and participate in workshops dedicated to traditional and non-traditional American Indian music on the scenic grounds at SunWatch, and view an exhibition featuring historic and contemporary American Indian art in the Interpretive Center. Included with regular admission.

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Community Open House Print E-mail
Child and archerySaturday, August 7, 2010
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

For one day only, admission to SunWatch will be FREE and open to the public! Begin your day in the Heilman-Kettering Interpretive Center, then explore the 800-year-old reconstructed Fort Ancient Village where you can practice archery skills, play double ball, make a craft, and listen to site interpreters discuss the history and archaeology of SunWatch.

Kids' Days Print E-mail

July 9, July 21, Aug.5

9:00 a.m.–12 noon

Solstice activity day

A special morning designed for day care/child care providers and summer youth camps with children aged 6 and older. Stations are set up in the village and feature hands-on activities, demonstrations, games, and a take home craft. Admission includes a drink. Reservations are required; please call 937–268–8199 to schedule your group. Fees: $6.00 per child, $5.00 for chaperones.

The Miami Valley Council for Native Americans 22nd Annual Keeping the Tradition Pow Wow Print E-mail

Pow wowSaturday June 26, 2010
10:00 a.m.–8:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 27, 2010
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Grand entry at 12 noon and 5:00 p.m. Saturday, and 12 noon Sunday.

During the Keeping the Tradition Pow Wow, the serene setting at SunWatch transforms with the beat of drums and the sounds and rhythm of American Indian music.  For American Indians, Pow Wow is a special time to reflect upon a rich heritage and come into the Pow Wow circle with honor and respect for one another and the drum. 

The event features both men’s and women’s dances, including the men’s grass dance and the women’s shawl and jingle dance, performed wearing full regalia.  In addition, traditional American Indian arts, crafts and food will be available from vendors.  Admission is $6.00 for adults, $3.00 for seniors and students (6-17).  Children under 6 are free. 

Presented by: The Miami Valley Council for Native Americans

Sponsored by: Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District

Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District
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In Celebration of Solstice Print E-mail
solstice 09 Saturday, June 19, 6:30 p.m.
Celebrate the arrival of summer with this casual summer evening event filled with great food, live entertainment, and a silent auction – all to support the educational programs at SunWatch. Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, and live music while overlooking the 800-year-old reconstructed Village. Tickets are $75 per person.  Click here to purchase tickets online, or call 937–268–8199 for reservations.

Support educational programs at SunWatch
Available May 15
Purchase a $20 raffle ticket for the chance to win a $1500 travel voucher from AAA Miami Valley. The 2010 SunWatch Raffle will also feature American Indian artwork, jewelry, gardening supplies, and more! Tickets available after May 15 by calling 937–268–8199.

Sponsored by:AAA Miami Valley
SunWatch 2010 Lecture Series Print E-mail

Frontiers in Ohio Archaeology

Mound Distribution Map
Click Here for a larger image

Explore the state of archaeological efforts in Ohio at the 2010 SunWatch Lecture Series. On the second Saturday of each month from January to April, we will celebrate some of Ohio’s most noted archaeological sites as guest speakers discuss new trends and technology used in the field, as well as recent discoveries at these sites.

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, admission to each SunWatch Lecture Series presentation is free and open to the public. All sessions begin at 10:30 and conclude by noon. Admission fees apply for guests wishing to explore the Village or the Interpretive Center before or after the presentations.

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Winter Solstice Sleepover Print E-mail

December 18 –19
Friday, 6:30 p.m. – Saturday, 9:00 a.m.

Winter Solstice Sleepover Celebrate the winter season by reliving the experience of Miami Valley’s early inhabitants. Sleep in the reconstructed houses and rise to discover the Fort Ancient’s way of tracking seasons. Enjoy an evening of activities before settling in for the night around an open hearth fire. Registration is required; space is limited. Cost: $25/person. Contact 937-268-8199, ext. 106, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Archaeology Camp Print E-mail

Tuesday, July 15–Friday, July 18, 2008 9:00 a.m.–12 noon

Kids DigLearn the skills of an Archaeologist during our Archaeology Camp! You will practice artifact identification, mapping, excavating, and more. Designed for ages 12 to 18. $45 for members, $50 for non-members.

To register, fill out and mail in the registration/ consent form, call 937–268–8199, or visit SunWatch. Class levels are determined by the student's last grade completed, by the start of the program. The parental consent and health form sections must be completed for all students. Mail–in and walk–in registration is encouraged. All fees are due at the time of registration.


Fort Ancient