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Ink & Insight: Southern Footprints: Exploring Gulf Coast Archaeology With Dr. Gregory A. Waselkov and Dr. Philip J. Carr

February 18 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Southern Footprints: Exploring Gulf Coast Archaeology

Southern Footprints highlights over fifty years of groundbreaking archaeological research conducted by the University of South Alabama and the Center for Archaeological Studies. Archaeologists Dr. Gregory A. Waselkov and Dr. Philip J. Carr, past and current directors of the center, present a curated selection of key discoveries that have reshaped our understanding of human history on the Alabama and Mississippi Gulf Coast, from the Ice Age to the present day. Each site, from surface collections to premier archaeological preserves such as Old Mobile and Holy Ground, offers invaluable insights into the past.

This collection of chapters is organized chronologically, exploring a variety of important sites, including the Gulf Shores canoe canal, Bottle Creek Mounds, Old Mobile, Fort Mims, Spanish Fort, Spring Hill College, and Mobile River Bridge.

In their work, Waselkov and Carr emphasize the often-overlooked contributions of Native American and African American populations, whose stories have been brought to light through archaeological efforts. They also discuss the profound effects of climate change, environmental disasters, development, and neglect, stressing the urgent need to protect these historic areas. Richly illustrated with color photographs that capture the ongoing archaeological work—often supported by dedicated volunteers—Southern Footprints stands as an essential reference for understanding the Gulf Coast’s rich cultural heritage.

About Dr. Gregory A. Waselkov

Dr. Waselkov holds a BA in anthropology from the University of Missouri-Columbia and an MA and PhD from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. After nine years as a research associate at Auburn University, he joined the University of South Alabama in 1988. His research includes large-scale excavations at Old Mobile and Fort Mims, as well as studies of prehistoric life on the Gulf Coast, focusing on the Woodland and Mississippian periods. Dr. Waselkov has secured numerous research grants and overseen over 1,000 projects as director of the Center for Archaeological Studies since 1992. He also planned and directed the university’s Archaeology Museum. Currently president of the Southeastern Archaeological Conference, he has published extensively and worked to raise public awareness of regional history and archaeology.

About Dr. Philip J. Carr

Dr. Philip J. Carr is an archaeologist specializing in the prehistory of the Southeast U.S., with a focus on prehistoric hunter-gatherer lifeways and stone tool technologies. Since joining the USA faculty in 1999, he has studied southwest Alabama’s cultural heritage, including recent research on prehistoric lithic assemblages and the stone tool collection from 22LI504. Dr. Carr earned his B.A. from the University of Louisville (1988) and his M.A. (1991) and Ph.D. (1995) from the University of Tennessee. He also serves as faculty advisor for the Anthropology Club and mentors students on research projects.

Plan Your Visit

Don’t miss the chance to learn from local archaeologists and gain firsthand insights into the rich history of the Gulf Coast.

  • Date: February 18th
  • Time: 10:30 AM
  • Location: Magnolia Room, Bellingrath Gardens & Home
Included with Gardens Admission or Membership

Details

Date:
February 18
Time:
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Event Categories:
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