Many of the fundamental cultural features of modern western societies have their origins in the civilizations of Mesopotamia, which flourished from 3000 to 323 BCE in the land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, now modern Iraq. This exploration will highlight aspects of this lasting legacy, with special reference to the collections on display in the […]

South Africa's Cradle of Humankind has long been a hotbed of discovery for human ancestor fossils. Just 45 minutes north of Johannesburg, this protected region must balance multiple interests in research, development, and human rights. This talk will discuss on-going research and the efforts to continue to educate and engage the public, while emphasizing the […]

Historic preservation has rarely been a subject taken up by historians. In an effort to address this ironic situation, this talk recounts some of the main themes and critiques shaping the development of built heritage and its preservation in the U.S.—and how this process was itself shaped by periodic reimagining of the American past, as […]