Southeast Missouri State University Alumni Association

Athenaeum Presentation Focuses on Studying Children in Archaeology Contexts

Kent Library's Athenaeum series continues with Dr. Jennifer Bengtson from the Department of Global Cultures and Languages presenting "Toward an Archaeology of Childhood in the Central Illinois River Valley."

Bengston's presentation is scheduled for noon Feb. 6 in Sadie's Place in Kent Library. Studying children in archaeological contexts can be difficult, but leaving them out of studies leads to an inherently incomplete understanding of history.

Bengtson will discuss her work on mortuary and village excavations from a prehistoric archaeological site in the Central Illinois River Valley. Building on previous Michigan State University and Illinois State Museum research, she suggests that an archaeology of childhood contributes to a richer interpretation of social life within this unique prehistoric community.

The presentation is open to all, and refreshments will be available.