June Science Cafe - Anne Bader and "Archaeology as Science"

Join us for June Science Cafe featuring Anne Bader and a presentation on "Archaeology as Science".

Anthropology is considered a “social science” that deals with human behavior and adaptation, both cultural and biological. One will not find anthropology listed under the fields of science, especially not among the ‘natural sciences” which seek general truths of the operation of general laws concerning the physical world. Within the field of anthropology, archaeology is too often construed as the search and collection of artifacts and oddities in exotic places. Yet what is common to both archaeology and the natural sciences is the search for knowledge obtained and tested through the use of the scientific method. While the search for general laws of human behavior has not been particularly fruitful in many ways, the ability to incorporate empirical data and to replicate experiments related to human behavior have become an important component of archaeological studies.

Today, archaeology has evolved into a collaborative effort in which multidisciplinary teams of scientists contribute to our ability to interpret the past. Without chemists, biologists, geologists, botanists, physicists, and even astronomers, our interpretations of past human lifeways would be incomplete and rift with generalities that could not be considered reliable.

This lecture will address some of the cutting edge technologies and scientific methodologies routinely utilized to study the distant past. It will present examples drawn from recent local and regional archaeological projects within the middle to lower Ohio River Valley.

Anne Bader is a Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA) with nearly 30 years of experience in both public service and the private commercial sector. Her professional background encompasses all aspects of archaeology and cultural resources management. Her work history includes archaeologist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District where she was awarded the Planning Excellence Award, and Cultural Resources Program Manager for AMEC Earth and Environmental, Inc. of Louisville. Her experienced-based knowledge of Federal and state regulations enables her to craft innovative and common-sense solutions to assist clients with their planning, engineering, and construction projects. She is particularly knowledgeable of the Ohio River Valley region. Anne is the 2004 recipient of the Indiana Archaeology Award and founder of the Falls of the Ohio Archaeological Society.

Once again we will return to the upstairs room at Mulligan's Pub, so space is limited. Arrive to eat and chat between 6:30 and 8:00. The presentation will begin at 8:00. As always, we will pass the hat at the end of the meeting to collect a couple of bucks each to cover expenses.

Thanks, see you there!

Laurie