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The Joffre Lanning Coe Lecture Series (Spring 2009)
Dr. Stephen R. Potter
March 28, 2009
Antietam and the Archaeology of Tactics
Often times, some events are not recorded after a battle or they are overlooked or
ignored by later writers and researchers. Such was the case at the Battle of Antietam,
where one or possibly two Confederate regiments’ attacks against Union soldiers in the
North Woods were all but forgotten. Research by historical archaeologists provided
evidence that such a skirmish not only occurred; it uncovered clues which aided in the
southern units identities. Of additional interest, the primary historical research
destroyed a period myth about a skirmish which never took place, but which made its way
into an illustrated newspaper to become one of history’s many questionable "facts".
The Joffre Lanning Coe Lecture Series (Spring 2008)
Dr. Stanley South
June 14, 2008
Dr. South discussed his new book Talking Artifacts: The 20th Century Legacy at the High Point Museum.
This book emerged from his Basement Project [Basement Artifacts Speak, Explaining Meaning Embedding
Numerous Technologies]. It records the artifact legacy of a family who could not afford the high-priced objects
easily obtained by the more wealthy families such as those emphasized on The Antiques Road Show, where the
emphasis is on monetary value. The emphasis of the talking book is on what we can learn from what the artifacts
are telling us about their use and their function in the 20th century culture.
The Joffre Lanning Coe Lecture Series (Winter 2006-2007)
Dr. David Hurst Thomas
March 3, 2007
THOSE ELUSIVE SPANISH
MISSIONS: ROMANCE AND
REALITY IN AMERICA’S
MYTHICAL MISSION PAST
From San Francisco (California), through the American Southwest to St.
Augustine (Florida) and even into the Carolinas, mainstream American history
has constructed and perpetuated an idealized, romanticized version of the
Spanish mission - complete with Mission Revival architectural styles and
reconstructed archaeological sites that sometimes resemble Hollywood stage
sets. This presentation, the final offering of the first Joffrey Lanning Coe
Lecture Series, draws upon the most recent archaeological evidence from
throughout the United States to suggest more historically appropriate
perspectives on America’s mission heritage.
Dr. Stephen Potter
February 10, 2007
ANTIETAM: THE ARCHEOLOGY OF AMERICA'S BLOODIEST DAY
When night fell on the countryside surrounding Antietam Creek, Maryland,
September 17, 1862, over 23,000 American soldiers were dead, wounded, or
missing, making this the single bloodiest day in U. S. military history. In
spite of all that has been written about this tragic day by historians, there
is still much to be learned about the Battle of Antietam from other
disciplines, such as historical archeology. For example, systematic surveys by
archeologists using metal detectors revealed new information and insights into
tactical movements on the battlefield, changing our understanding of action in
the North Woods. Analysis of 1862 photographs, using computer visualization
techniques, helped archeologists pin-point long-forgotten features on the
landscape. And, archeological, forensic, and archival research led to a
remarkable reconstruction of one soldier's final moments in the nightmare of
Antietam. Come view the battle through the eyes of this infantryman as Dr.
Potter ends his presentation by walking you through the attack of the famed
Irish Brigade.
Dr. George Stuart
November 18, 2006
Dr. Stuart opened his lecture recounting folk stories of Mayan creation myths and myths
of struggles between good and evil. As most powerful men, Mayan rulers wanted their
lineages, achievements, and religious/folk stories displayed in public art. Dr. Stuart
used supplementary slides to illustrate excavation and re-excavation of these artifacts
within the Mayan cities throughout the Yucatan by himself and other noted archaeologists.
Many of these excavations have revealed that the Maya were involved in human sacrifice.
Of note, was Stuart’s premise that the Maya are not a “lost” civilization, but exist
today as native populations throughout Central Mexico. They speak dialects of Mayan
languages and still practice simple rituals such as worshipping Mayan gods and leaving
offerings at cave entrances. He concluded with the interpretation of recently discovered
cave murals depicting Mayan life and political administration. Dr. Stuart stated that
things are still being discovered daily.
Dr. Stanley South
October 7, 2006
South’s retrospective view of early historical archaeology at many of North Carolina’s
most famous state historic sites was informative, exciting, emotional, and stimulating.
In his uniquely personal style South narrated slides spanning nearly fifty years of
archaeology work in which he was involved and supported by teachers, co-workers, and
family members. Filled with emotion South departed the stage at the conclusion of his
talk to a standing ovation that lasted several minutes in length.
The Coe Foundation for Archaeological Research, Inc.
Post Office Box 25311
Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-5311
www.coe-foundation.org |
