Local Archeologist and Geologist to Speak at Brown Bag

Tilghman Island resident Darrin Lowery, Ph.D., will present “Documenting Prehistoric Marine Shell Trade and Exchange: A Summary of the Delmarva and Moundbuilder Interaction Sphere Circa 2,000 Years Ago” at the Brown Bag Lunch program on September 18 at noon at the Easton Branch of the Library.

Darrin Lowery, Ph.D.

Lowery holds Ph.D. degrees in Archeology/Anthropology and Geology, and is currently a Smithsonian Research Associate. He will discuss how the marine shell represents one of the most valued trade items in prehistory.

Darrin Lowery, Ph.D.Even as recently as the mid-1800’s the Ojibwa were willing to trade $40 worth of animal furs for large marine shells. It is estimated that it would have taken approximately 42 days to produce a single marine shell bead necklace from the Grave Creek Mound in West Virginia, which consisted of over 2,000 individual beads. Many researchers have suggested that most of the shell originated from the Gulf of Mexico. These same researchers have largely disregarded the Middle Atlantic coast as a possible source area.

Lowery’s presentation will highlight the archaeological record and present recent research attempting to determine the actual source of prehistoric marine shell ornaments unearthed at sites in eastern North America.

Lowery helped establish a non-profit archaeological research foundation that promotes archaeological education and research within the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and has conducted extensive archaeological surveys and excavations in Maryland, Delaware and Virginia, documenting over 1,800 archaeological sites spanning the entire region’s prehistory and history.

Raised on Tilghman Island, Dr. Lowery comes from a long-line of boat builders, watermen, and farmers. His family has lived on the Delmarva Peninsula since the mid-17th century. His interest in archaeology and geology began at the age of seven, while combing the eroding shorelines of the Chesapeake Bay with his father. He continues his quest for understanding the integration between the geologic processes and the early cultures of the Chesapeake Bay region.

There is no charge for this program which is presented by the Friends of the Talbot County Free Library. Guests are invited to bring their lunch or just come to listen and learn. Coffee and sweets will be provided. The program begins at noon and will last approximately one hour. For more information, contact the Talbot County Free Library at 410-822-1626 or visit the library’s website www.tcfl.org.

..