author
H. C. Shetrone
1876–1954
A newspaper reporter turned pioneering Ohio archaeologist, he helped bring the story of the state's ancient earthworks and mound cultures to a wide public audience. His books and museum work made complex archaeology feel vivid and approachable.
1 Audiobook
Primer of Ohio Archaeology: The Mound Builders and the Indians
by H. C. Shetrone
About the author
Born in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1876, Henry Clyde Shetrone first worked as a Columbus reporter before archaeology drew him in. According to Ohio History Connection, his interest grew while covering William C. Mills' discoveries at sites such as Adena Mound, and he went on to become one of Ohio's most productive archaeologists.
Shetrone served as Curator of Archaeology for the Ohio Historical Society from 1921 to 1928 and then as the Society's director from 1928 until 1947. He is especially remembered for interpreting Ohio's prehistoric earthworks and for helping present that research to general readers, not just specialists.
His best-known books include The Mound-Builders and Primer of Ohio Archaeology. Writing in a clear, popular style, he helped generations of readers picture the ancient cultures of Ohio and understand why their surviving sites mattered.