Diana Greenlee, station archaeologist at Poverty Point World Heritage Site, will discuss the cultural significance of the northern Louisiana archaeological site on Thursday, Nov. 2, at 5:15 p.m. in the Edwards Theatre of the Thomas W. and Robin W. Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts at Coastal Carolina University. The event is free and open to the public.

Greenlee will discuss the process of the site becoming a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site, including the rewards and challenges.

The Poverty Point site, which was active from 1700 to 1100 BCE, is an important cultural resource that has been instrumental in challenging anthropology's basic assumptions about foraging societies. The scope and design of the earthwork complex, the raw material acquisition network and the hunting-fishing-gathering subsistence economy of Poverty Point all testify to an exceptional cultural tradition. Greenlee is an adjunct professor at the University of Louisiana Monroe. She earned her bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in anthropology from the University of Washington.

The lecture is part of the Cultural Heritage Visiting Scholars Series sponsored by CCU's Department of Anthropology and Geography and Department of History.

"The series brings to campus scholars whose work focuses on researching, protecting and preserving our cultural heritage - such as archaeological sites, historic structures, and other places important in our history," said Carolyn Dillian, chair and associate professor of the Department of Anthropology and Geography and series co-coordinator. "The speakers are all highlighting their experiences working with unique communities and balancing the needs of many different stakeholders. The dual sponsorship of the series between two departments, anthropology and geography and history, highlights the overlap in these disciplines in our goal of protecting our nation's cultural heritage." The next event in the series will take place in February when Modupe Labode, associate professor of history and museum studies at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, will present "Monuments and Memorials: Art and History in Public Spaces."

The Edwards Theatre is located in room 248 of the Edwards College at 133 Chanticleer Drive W. on the Conway campus. Parking is available in lots directly adjacent near the back of the building or in J lot near the Singleton building. Visit www.coastal.edu/safety/parking.

For more information, contact Dillian at 843-349-2777 or cdillian@coastal.edu.