Ohio’s 76th state park is just weeks away from welcoming visitors. Great Council State Park, just north of Xenia, was once known as Oldtown, one of the largest-known Shawnee settlements in the region. More than 400 families and more than 1,000 people called Oldtown home from approximately 1777 to 1780. Their stories directly intersect with those of individuals like Daniel Boone, who was held captive in Oldtown for a period.
The Oklahoma Department of Natural Resources and Ohio History Connection have been working with the three federally recognized Shawnee Tribes to develop the property, which ODNR intends to be a connection to Ohio’s Native American and pioneer past.
“Bringing history to life is a challenge enthusiastically accepted by ODNR staff,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “Once complete, this center will offer a unique glimpse into the past, a different way for children and adults alike to learn more about the people who used to call this part of Ohio home.”
The park will feature a 12,000-square-foot interpretive center with an architectural design based on the traditional council house form historically used by Shawnees. Inside the interpretive center, visitors will find three floors of exhibits, a theater area, a living stream, and a gallery.
“This project gives us the unique opportunity to connect future generations with the past, while protecting the legacy of the Shawnee and inviting them to share their story,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is being planned for June.
Watch progress at the site to date documented through a timelapse video.
The Shawnee Tribe’s 2025 General Council & Election Weekend included a community dinner and stomp dance, as well as the annual meeting of the Shawnee Tribal Council and Business Council election. Citizens had the opportunity to meet tribal service programs & administrative staff, collect raffle prizes, and hear reports on the past twelve months of happenings of the […]
Check out this helpful information on recycling myths. 1. Myth: Everything with a recycling symbol is recyclable. Fact: The symbol shows material type, not what your local facility accepts. 2. Myth: It’s okay to guess what’s recyclable — “wishcycling” helps. Fact: Guesswork often leads to contamination; non-recyclables can spoil batches. 3. Myth: Recyclables don’t need […]
This September 30, 2025 is Orange Shirt Day.
Welcome to ta’saawanwaatoweeyakwe, the new blog series dedicated to the Shawnee Language Immersion Program’s happenings and language preservation work. From June 18-21, Shawnee Language Immersion Program apprentices, mentors, Community Language Preservationists (CLPs), and other guests gathered for their annual conference at the Emma “Mock” Donaldson Shawnee Language House. Many of the attendees live far away from […]
Miami, OK — The Shawnee Tribe is pleased to announce the launch of its Project Proposal Portal, a new digital platform designed to streamline the submission and evaluation of business ideas and partnership opportunities. This initiative supports the tribe’s commitment to economic independence, sustainability, and diversification beyond gaming-related enterprises. The portal offers a straightforward process […]
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GUYMON, OK — Construction is complete on the $78 million expansion of the Golden Mesa Casino & Hotel, which now boasts a 40,000-square-foot gaming floor, new food and beverage options, an RV park and a four-floor hotel. On Friday, Shawnee Tribe officials and representatives from Shawnee Development, Global Gaming Solutions, Chickasaw Nation, the City of Guymon, Connect […]
MIAMI, OK – The brand-new FAMily Discovery Center at First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City will have its grand opening later this summer, thanks in part to support from the Shawnee Tribe. In May 2024, the Shawnee Tribe’s Business Council approved a pledge of $500,000 over four years to help support the FAMily Discovery Center. […]