What can we learn about the history and heritage of Greater Yellowstone’s human story as ancient materials are revealed in melting high-altitude ice? Dr. Craig Lee, Research Scientist at the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, and Assistant Teaching Professor at Montana State University, will share his insights from work in the field—or the mountaintop—in the third and final presentation of the Fall Science Inquiry Series.
The talk will be presented at the Museum of the Rockies at 600 W Kagy Blvd in Bozeman, Montana on Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at 7 p.m. in the museum’s Hager Auditorium.
The series, sponsored by the Gallatin Valley Friends of the Sciences, explores cutting edge science topics, their latest developments, and their relevance to society through speaker presentations followed by conversations between speaker and audience. The talks are free to the public.
In his presentation, entitled “Ice Patch Archaeology: Exploring the Greater Yellowstone’s High-Elevation Human Past,” Lee will share results of his research in exploring high-elevation sites where warmer temperatures are melting ancient ice and revealing artifacts of past human activity. He will discuss how this work aids in understanding the long Native American presence in the Greater Yellowstone Area within the context of Earth’s changing climate.
Courtesy of Matt Stim Photography.
Dr. Lee holds a Ph.D. from the University of Colorado, and in addition to working at the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, teaches at Montana State University and serves as a principal investigator at Metcalf Archaeological Consultants. His research interests include the human ecology and landscape archaeology of alpine and high-latitude environments, and he frequently collaborates with Native Americans to develop culturally respectful methods for ice patch archaeology.
The presentation will be followed by an opportunity for audience members to engage in conversation with Dr. Lee in the museum lobby with light refreshments served.
The speaker presentation and audience participation segments together will last a little over an hour. All lectures have a limited capacity and are open on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each lecture, and attendees may not save seats.