The phrase “underwater archaeology” conjures notions of shipwrecks, vessels lost at sea, and the dramatic catastrophes that sank them; however, archaeology underwater can also reveal details about ancient landscapes that contain a record of past human occupations. Many of these sites are on the earth’s continental shelves where vast stretches of shallow, coastal lands were exposed at the end of the last Ice Age. These once dry landscapes supported life for plants, animals, and humans for thousands of years. Learn about these ancient submerged sites, the role they play in the global archaeological record and what unique data they have about the past. The talk will provide a general overview and then focus on 9,000 year old submerged sites in the North American Great Lakes.

This event is being hosted by the Georgia Museum of Natural History, Willson Center for Humanities and Arts, the Franklin College Department of Anthropology, and the Archaeological Institute of America. It will include a talk and Q&A with Dr. Ashley Lemke.