Solstice Watch
Schedule
Sun Dec 21 2025 at 04:00 pm to 05:30 pm
UTC-05:00Location
Sacra Via Park | Marietta, OH
Free to the public | No reservations required | Donations encouragedExperience one of Marietta’s most remarkable ancient events! Join The Castle’s archaeologist, Wes Clarke, for 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.
📍 Location: Sacra Via Park, between Second and Third Streets, Marietta, Ohio
About the Speaker
Wes 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.
What to Know Before You Go
The Solstice Watch is weather-dependent, and sighting may vary based on conditions.
If conditions are favorable, the event will begin with a brief discussion and viewing at Sacra Via before moving to the Quadranaou mound.
In case of precipitation or poor visibility, commentary will be provided from the gazebo shelter at Sacra Via Park.
Where is it happening?
Sacra Via Park, Marietta, Ohio, United States
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
