Educational Programs

*You can visit our YouTube channel for recordings of past programs*

The Newark Holy Stones: “A Mystery Which Time Alone Can Dissipate” with Brad Lepper and Jeff Gill
September 16, 2026 @ 3:00 - 5:00 PM

Join us on September 16, 2026 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM for a presentation by Brad Lepper and Jeff Gill on The Newark Holy Stones: “a mystery which time alone can dissipate.” The Newark Holy Stones were carved objects engraved with Hebrew letters, discovered at several locations in Licking County, Ohio, when archaeology was still in its infancy. At the time, debate continued over who built the ancient mounds of the Ohio Valley. If authentic, the stones would have supported the claim that ancient Israelites built them. However, growing scientific evidence pointed instead to the ancestors of American Indians. Brad and Jeff reveal how they established that the Holy Stones were scientific forgeries, identify the likely perpetrators and their possible motives, and explain why the issues surrounding the stones remain relevant today. The museum will be free to the public from 12:00 to 4:00 PM on September 16th.

This program is part of the Ohio History’s Connection’s Ohio Open Doors event. The goal of Ohio Open Doors is to share and celebrate the historic buildings and places across Ohio. Walk through those doors and visit them from September 10–20. There are 300 events scheduled across all of Ohio's 88 counties, meeting (and surpassing) our goal of 250 events in all counties. For a searchable list of events, visit ohiohistory.org/opendoors.

Witch, Please - A Kayaking Event
September 19, 2026 @ 8:30 AM

Grab your hat, gather your coven, and join us along the canal for a magical day of witchy fun! Witch, Please, a one-of-a-kind fall event featuring kayaking, broomstick bouquet-making, tarot readings, and more!

On September 19th at 8:30 AM we'll meet by the canal boat in Lake Park to get ready. We’ll kick off the morning at 9:00 AM with a kayak ride down the canal, where participants are encouraged to dress in their best witchy attire. Kayaks are provided, or guests can bring their own for a discounted rate. At 10:00 AM, we'll craft our own broomstick bouquets. Lunch follows at 11:00 AM.

Click Here for More Info

Crafternoons at the Museum
September 23, 2026 @ 4:00 - 6:00 PM

Get ready for Crafternoons at the Museum! In honor of our America 250 exhibit, Through Their Hands: People and Treasures of Early Coshocton, JH Museum is hosting a series of handcrafting workshops this fall. Beginning in September, Barbara Unger-Lengen will lead a class on 2D felting, aka “wool painting.”

Click Here for More Info and To Register

Mary Harris Prizes Non-fiction Essay Contest
Due November 2, 2026

It's time again to don your thinking caps and grab your laptops! We are pleased to announce that we will host our annual Mary Harris Prizes non-fiction essay contest again this year!

Essays must be 1,000 - 3,000 words and relate to the Coshocton Frontier. Only non-fiction with proper citations will be accepted. The competition is open to persons of any age who reside or work in Coshocton County, including students whose permanent home is in Coshocton County.

Click Here for More Info

Tween Museum Takeover
Every second Monday Every Month @ 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Calling all tweens! Join us at JH Museum for a fun new program designed for 12 to 14 year olds (but those a little younger or a little older are welcome as well)! This event offers a unique opportunity to explore how the museum operates behind the scenes.

Click Here to Register

Meet Me at the Museum

“Meet Me at the Museum” every every quarter from 12:00 to 1:00 PM for a lunchtime program! Bring a lunch or enjoy some snacks on us as we gather together and casually discuss a new topic each time we meet.

No registration is needed. This program is offered at no charge and made possible by the support of the Ohio Arts Council.

Click Here for Schedule and Upcoming Topics

Qigong Classes at JHM, Instructed by Holli Rainwater

***CURRENTLY ON HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE***

Want a good way to shake off those mid-week blues, already feeling the dreary winter season setting in, or just want a fun, relaxing way to get moving? Why not spend an hour with Holli Rainwater and a session of Qigong at the museum, every Wednesday morning from 10:30 to 11:30 AM!

Qigong (pronounced 'chee gong') is an ancient Chinese health care system that combines gentle body movements, breath practice, and deep relaxation. We will use the Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi form as our core practice. This is a very "user friendly" form with many benefits for both the beginner and more seasoned practitioner.

This class is free of charge and no prior experience is necessary. Wear comfortable clothing and lightweight shoes. Qigong is very gentle and relaxing and does not require getting down on the floor. Holli Rainwater will lead the class, who has been studying and teaching Qigong since 2004 and is certified as a Tai Chi Easy practice leader. This program is made possible by the support of the Joe R. Engle Museum Gallery Fund of the Coshocton Foundation.