EUGENE, Ore. — (Oct. 8, 2013) — The Museum of Natural and Cultural History (MNCH) launches its 20th annual Fall Archaeology Lecture Series on Friday (Oct. 11). The series "Dig into Oregon's History" is part of the statewide Oregon Archaeology Celebration and will feature talks by three historical archaeologists who have conducted research in the state.
Each of the three talks in the series will begin at 5:30 p.m. on three consecutive Fridays in October, in Room 110 of the Knight Law Center, 1515 Agate St., on the University of Oregon campus. All lectures are free and open to the public.
On Oct. 11, Mark Tveskov of Southern Oregon University (SOU) will discuss "Archaeological Perspectives on the Rogue River War." He will detail his work on mid-19th century sites associated with the Rogue River Indian Wars, including the recently uncovered site of the Battle of Hungry Hill, where the U.S. Army suffered a major defeat in 1855.
On Oct. 18, SOU archaeologist Chelsea Rose will present "A Portrait of the Past — Archaeological Views on the Life of Peter Britt." Britt, who moved to Jacksonville, Ore., in 1852, was instrumental in the formation of the Rogue Valley's cultural identity. Rose will discuss archaeological work conducted at the site of Britt's house and formal gardens, describing how the remains there reflect the private life of this very public person.
The series concludes Oct. 25 with "Shipwrecks, Legends, and Lost Treasures — Historical Archaeology on the Oregon Coast" by Scott Williams. Williams, cultural resources program manager at the Washington State Department of Transportation, will describe his team's investigations of various shipwreck legends and discuss the challenges of conducting underwater archaeology.
Over the last two decades, the museum's annual lecture series have included speakers from around the country to present on topics ranging from Neanderthals in popular fiction to the first human cultures of North America. This year's theme emphasizes the unique perspective that archaeology can bring to the study of history.
"With its focus on artifacts, archaeology helps reveal aspects of history that may not be evident in written records," said Ann Craig, associate director of public programs at the MNCH. "The lectures will appeal not only to archaeologists and archaeology enthusiasts, but to anyone interested in Oregon's fascinating social history."
About the Museum of Natural and Cultural History
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and youths ages 17 and under, and $10 for families (two adults and up to four youths). Museum members are admitted free. Admission is free to the public on the first Friday of the month. Guided tours are offered each Friday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Media Contact: Kristin Strommer, Museum of Natural and Cultural History, kstrommer@uoregon.edu, 541-346-5083.
Links:
Museum of Natural and Cultural History: http://natural-history.uoregon.edu
MNCH on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/oregonnaturalhistory