USM鈥檚 Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Pass Christian Public Library Partner on Special Archaeology Presentation
Tue, 08/22/2023 - 11:11am | By: Van Arnold
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at The University of 51逗奶 Mississippi (USM) has partnered with the Pass Christian Public Library to sponsor a special presentation by archaeology researcher Dr. Gregory Waselkov on Sept. 26 at 10 a.m. at the Pass Christian Public Library.
Waselkov鈥檚 presentation is titled, 鈥淚ndian Ditch of Gulf Shores, Alabama.鈥� He will share details of his research on the 1,400-year-old Native American canal in southern Alabama, including how the nearly mile-long structure allowed inhabitants to paddle to rich fishing grounds and access trade routes.
鈥淥LLI members and others along the coast are eager to learn more about a rare archeological find, an 鈥淚ndian ditch,鈥� in an area that many in the Deep South consider a vacation destination, Gulf Shores, Alabama,鈥� said OLLI Director Paula Mathis. 鈥淭he opportunity to learn of the history of the land and its use before it was occupied by white settlers, long before it became a tourist spot, is most exciting. We鈥檙e delighted that Dr. Greg Waselkov has agreed to share his fascinating findings with us.鈥�
Waselkov has a BA in anthropology from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and an MA and a PhD in anthropology from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. After working for nine years as a research associate at Auburn University, he began teaching at the University of South Alabama in 1988. As Professor Emeritus, he oversees the university鈥檚 archaeology department.
In recent years, Waselkov planned and helped construct the university鈥檚 Archaeology Museum and served as its first director. He is presently serving as president of the Southeastern Archaeological Conference, and edited that society鈥檚 professional journal, Southeastern Archaeology.
Admission to the presentation is free and open to the public with light refreshments available. For more information, contact the Pass Christian Public Library at 228.452.4596 or email.