Founders Day | March 11, 2023
Come celebrate the start of another fantastic year at Pyramid Hill as we show appreciation to our founder, members, and visitors with a day full of Park activities, including a huge announcement.
Park admission is free on Founder's Day and visitors are encouraged to join us for the day's programming. A detailed schedule will be shared closer to the date, but here are a few things you can look forward to:
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Reopening of the famed Pyramid House
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2023 Season Program release
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Refreshed exhibition of ancient sculptures
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Guided tour by Dr. Steven Tuck of Miami University
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Highlighted access to the Park's newest features, including Transition, carved as part of Hamilton Sculpture Week 2022
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Jill Krutick's Coral Beliefs Exhibition
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Member's Happy Hour featuring our newest themed refreshment
In 1986 Harry purchased the initial 40 acre tract of what was to become Pyramid Hill with the initial intention of building a personal home which he designed and oversaw the construction of. However, as he grew to love the land, he envisioned something more - a sculpture park on the grounds. His vision would include not only the collection of outdoor sculptures but a museum and an on-site school for music, dance, theater, poetry and other visual arts. Harry devoted the last 20 years of his life to manifesting his vision of a world renown sculpture park in Hamilton, Ohio. The creation of Pyramid Hill brought him immense joy and satisfaction as Harry was able to share his passions with visitors and encourage them to explore and foster their sense of wonder and appreciation for both art and nature.
Harry passed away on his 89th birthday at his home in Hamilton in 2014.
Harry joined the Navy and during WWII served as a ship’s
navigator. After the war, he married Patricia Stoll and the
two settled in Hamilton, later having two daughters,
Barbara and Nanci. Harry attended Ohio University,
Miami University & the University of Cincinnati. Graduating
with a degree in law, Harry began practicing with local
attorney, Clem Pater.
Always an entrepreneur, Harry became interested in real estate. He began purchasing older buildings in Hamilton and enjoyed rehabbing them. Active in his community, Harry served on numerous philanthropic committees including the Hamilton City Council and later served as a district State Representative.
Harry enjoyed nature, art, music, politics, a good discussion and a hearty laugh. He loved his hometown of Hamilton, and spent a lifetime working to improve it. Harry realized that his loving family, a good education, and his opportunities to travel had allowed him to enjoy a measure of success in life and he felt obligated to offer these opportunities to others.
Harry Thomas Wilks was born March 11th 1925. Harry was raised in a Catholic, middle class family of six and attended Hamilton High school. There, Harry served as class president in both his Junior and Senior years, acted as editor of the school newspaper and was voted “most likely to succeed.”
“Harry was one of the most creative and imaginative people I have ever met. He lived life with an irrepressible joy that inspired everyone around him.”
- David Hodge, Miami University President
Founder's Day Schedule:
11:45AM ........................................................................................ Ribbon-cutting held at Pyramid House
1:00PM ................................ Guided tour of ancient sculptures by Dr. Steven Tuck of Miami University
2:00PM ...................................................................................................................... Member Happy Hour
Spend the rest of the day visiting the Park's latest features!