Written in Bone: A New Smithsonian Exhibit

"Written in Bone: Forensic Files of the 17th-Century Chesapeake" opened February 7th at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. Curated by forensic anthropologists Doug Owsley and Kari Bruwelheide, the exhibit provides information both on 17th-Century Chesapeake ways of life and also on forensic anthropology as a field. It incorporates 340 objects, artifacts and humans bones from more than 20 archaeological organizations and museums, and also includes educational components, such as a hands-on forensic anthropology lab, companion books and an interactive website.

AAA staff Dinah Winnick and Joseph Jones attended a special preview of the exhibit. Speaking about the purpose of exhibit's educational components during the event, Owsley remarked, "I never heard the words 'forensic anthropology' until college. One professor can make a huge difference." He highlighted the importance of educating kids and the general public about anthropology, and the necessity of teaching scientific methodologies, so that they can learn to ask the right kinds of questions.

For photos of the exhibit, see the Anthropology News Flickr gallery. Also, visit the exhibit website to learn more. The exhibition will be on view through February 6, 2011.