Missouri State University will be digging into the past next month when forensic anthropologist Douglas W. Owsley visits Springfield. Owsley, one of the most prominent and influential archaeologists and forensic anthropologists in the world, will be headlining two events on April 1 and 2.

Owsley is currently the division head of physical anthropology at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. He has provided scientific analysis for the U.S. Department of Defense, excavated the historic Jamestown Colony and his biography was the basis of a Discovery Channel documentary titled “Skeleton Clues.”

Cannibalism in Jamestown

Owsley’s first presentation is a forensic investigation of the 17th century Chesapeake area titled “Forensic Investigation of the 17th-Century Chesapeake.” Owsley will demonstrate how his research utilizes DNA testing and 3D virtual modeling to understand the lives and deaths of the earliest American colonists.

The presentation will feature cases such as Jane, the victim of survival cannibalism – situations where people are forced to rely on others’ bodies for food – during the “Starving Time.” He will also discuss the case of four high-status men buried deep within a James Fort church in 1608. This event is being held at 7 p.m. on April 1 in Carrington Hall, Room 208. The event is free and open to the public. For more information contact Suzanne Walker at SuzanneWalker@MissouriState.edu or (417) 836-6358.

Secrets of Kennewick Man

Owsley’s second presentation, “Secrets of Kennewick Man” is a scientific investigation of an ancient American skeleton. Since the skeleton’s accidental discovery on the banks of the Columbia River in Washington in July 1996, Kennewick Man has drawn attention about his origins from the scientific and Native American communities, as well as a range of media outlets.

Owsley will address a range of topics from the basic aspects of osteological analysis to more advanced research on the skeleton’s origins and its relationship to other populations in the past. With Owsley as a guide, audiences will follow the 9,000 year old story of these bones and learn about the life of one of the earliest humans to inhabit North America.

This presentation will be held at 7:45 p.m. on April 2 at the Ramada Plaza Hotel/Oasis Convention Center, located at 2546 N. Glenstone Ave. in the Maui Ballroom. The event is free and open to the public, however, RSVP is requested. To RSVP, or for more information contact the Missouri Archaeological Society at MAS@missouristate.edu or (417) 836-3773.