Ventress Library Cultural Series Event/Massachusetts Archaeology Month

Monday Night Lecture, October 22, 2018

Ventress Memorial Library, 15 Library Plaza, 1837 Ocean Street, Marshfield, MA  781-834-5535

7-8:30 p.m., “Engaging Archaeology: 25 Case Studies in Research Practice”, Lecture and Book Signing, presented by Dr. Stephen Silliman

To coincide with Massachusetts Archaeology Month, Dr. Silliman presents a talk about why archaeologists chose to enter the field, and the varied paths encountered while conducting their research. His book, published in February 2018, brings together 25 case studies from archaeological projects worldwide. Engaging Archaeology candidly explores personal experiences, successes, challenges, and even frustrations from established and senior archaeologists who share invaluable practical advice for students and early-career professionals engaged in planning and carrying out their own archaeological research.

With engaging chapters, such as ‘How Not to Write a PhD Thesis on Neolithic Italy’ and ‘Accidentally Digging Central America’s Earliest Village’, readers are transported to the desks, digs, and data-labs of the authors, learning the skills, tricks of the trade, and potential pit-falls of archaeological fieldwork and collections research. Case studies collectively span many regions, time periods, issues, methods, and materials. From the pre-Columbian Andes to Viking Age Iceland, North America to the Middle East, Medieval Ireland to remote north Australia, and Europe to Africa and India, Engaging Archaeology is packed with rich, first-hand source material.

Part of the Ventress Memorial Library Cultural Series, this program is free and open to the public; no tickets are  required. Program Room is handicapped accessible. Visit www.ventresslibrary.org and www.faculty.umb.edu/stephen_silliman/ for more information.