Chimney Rock Interpretive Association (CRIA) is pleased to present a free public lecture, “The Dating Game: Archeological Dating Methods,” an engaging talk by Dr. John Kappelman next Tuesday, October 27.
The lecture will take place at the Pagosa Methodist Church Fellowship Hall located at 434 Lewis St., Pagosa Springs, CO 81147. The lecture begins at 6:00pm and runs until 7:30pm. Doors open at 5:45pm.
How do we know how old an ancient pueblo, a piece of pottery, or a roof beam really is? This fascinating lecture explores how archaeologists and scientists determine the age of ancient objects, structures, and events, helping us understand what happened, when, and why.
Dr. Kappelman will introduce the geological foundations of dating techniques and examine a range of scientific methods, including radiometric dating, paleomagnetism, archaeomagnetism, dendrochronology (tree-ring dating), and cultural seriation.
With special emphasis on Southwestern Ancestral Puebloan sites such as Chimney Rock National Monument, Dr. Kappelman will discuss the strengths, limitations, and accuracy of each approach. He will highlight key methods like carbon dating and dendrochronology that are essential to understanding the region’s past.
This one-hour presentation will conclude with a brief Q&A session, offering attendees a deeper understanding of the science behind uncovering history.
This event is free and open to the public. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover how scientists’ piece together the timeline of the Southwest’s ancient past. The lecture will be offered both in person and via Zoom. Community members who wish to attend virtually may do so using this Zoom link.
The lecture is free to attend. Donations are accepted in lieu of an admission fee. Food goods or monetary donations for the church’s food pantry are greatly appreciated.
CRIA’s free Lecture Series offers the opportunity each year for the public and CRIA volunteers to enjoy a speaker whose topic typically relates to southwest archaeology, archaeoastronomy and/or Chacoan culture.
Chimney Rock Interpretive Association (CRIA) and the San Juan National Forest of the U.S. Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, are working in partnership to preserve and develop educational opportunities about the significant archaeological, cultural, geological and biological resources at Chimney Rock National Monument.
CRIA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer association and receives no funding from the US Government.
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