Steve Lekson, University of Colorado Boulder professor of anthropology, will reveal mysteries of the American Southwest at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 23 at the Massari Theatre at Trinidad State Junior College (TSJC).
The program, “The Southwest in the World,” is open to the public. Earlier that day, Lekson will discuss similar themes with Trinidad Middle School students in the MESA (Math, Engineering and Science Achievement) program.
“The archaeology of the American Southwest has long been an inward-looking enterprise,” Lekson said. “This presentation will explore the possibilities of looking at the Southwest from the outside— in its larger continental context and broader historical perspective.
“There is much to be gained by putting the Southwest ‘in the world.’ For example, considering the Southwest in its larger context allows us to solve the long-standing, carefully nurtured mystery of Chaco Canyon.”
Lekson has authored numerous journal articles and books about archaeology and the Southwest and has directed more than 20 archaeological projects throughout the region. Recent projects include excavations at Pinnacle Ruin in central New Mexico, analysis of the Yellow Jacket site near Mesa Verde, excavations at Chimney Rock in southern Colorado, and excavations at Black Mountain and Woodrow ruins in southwestern New Mexico.
Tickets for “The Southwest in the World” are $4 for adults and $3 for seniors and children. They can be purchased at the door the evening of event or in advance Monday-Friday at the Trinidad Community Foundation, 134 West Main Street, Suite 24. TSJC students and faculty may attend for free with a school identification card. All proceeds will benefit the Louden-Henritze Archaeology Museum.
Preceding the program, from 5:30-6:30 p.m., the public is invited to an open house and tour at the Louden-Henritze Archaeology Museum, located on the ground floor of the TSJC Library. The open house is free and open to the public and refreshments will be provided.
The Oct. 23 programs are part of “CU in the Community,” a series of lectures by CU-Boulder faculty. This community program is jointly sponsored by Trinidad State Junior College, Trinidad Community Foundation, Trinidad & Las Animas County Chamber of Commerce, Trinidad Times Independent, and the CU-Boulder Office for University Outreach. For more information about the series, email outreach@colorado.edu.