In the third installment of the Portland edition of ONDA’s High Desert Speaker Series, Dr. Tom Connolly shares his experiences as one of Oregon’s preeminent cultural anthropologists. From incipient agriculture to paleoenvironmental studies and geoarchaeology to cultural resource management, Dr. Connolly has a special understanding of the high desert’s unique archaeological features. Archaeological work over the past two decades, and continuing study of museum collections made decades ago, are providing new insights on Oregon’s first peoples. Dr. Connolly outlines recent studies that have pushed back evidence for the earliest human presence in the region to about 15,000 years ago, and reviews museum specimens for a clearer understanding of the timing and range of key ancient cultural traditions. Join us as Dr. Connolly takes us on a journey thousands of years in the making. The event will take place at Portland's First Congregational Church, 1126 SW Park Avenue in the Park Blocks. The event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited; please pre-register on Eventbrite.

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