Cape Cod Archaeology: Past, Present, and Future

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, we invite you to join us for a lecture about the archaeology of Cape Cod. There are two options to attend: join us in person, in the Hermann Meeting Room at 6:30pm on Wednesday November 16, or use a Zoom link that will be provided upon registration to attend virtually from home.

Above and below-ground archaeological artifacts and features provide a partial view into the 12,000-year human history of Cape Cod. Archaeologist Holly Herbster will discuss what sites on the Cape can tell us, how archaeological study has changed, and how the field fits into other ways of knowing about the past. 

Holly Herbster is a Senior Archaeologist/Principal Investigator at the Public Archeology Laboratory, Inc. Over the past 25 years she has directed more than 200 projects in southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and Martha’s Vineyard, ranging from primary background research to large-scale archaeological excavations. She has collaborated extensively with Native American groups in Massachusetts and her research focus includes documentary and ethnohistoric studies, especially those related to seventeenth- and eighteenth-century Nipmuc and Wampanoag communities. She is a co-author of the book Historical Archaeology and Indigenous Collaboration: Discovering Histories That Have Futures which was the Society for American Archaeology’s 2021 scholarly book award winner. 

Library Lectures for CREW Climate Prep Week

This year the Falmouth Public Library will be participating in CREW’s Climate Preparedness Week (Sept. 26-30) with two lectures: one via Zoom, and one in person.

Tuesday September 27, 6-7pm (Zoom)
The Planet’s Health and Yours: Facing the Invisible Impacts of Climate Change
Richard Delaney, Executive Director of the Cape Cod Climate Change Collaborative (CCCC)
Register to receive the Zoom Link.

This webinar will provide an overview of climate change impacts we see, experience, and know on Cape, including economic, environmental justice, physical and mental health, and ecosystem impacts. Delaney will also discuss what you can do and share information about the Cape Cod Climate Change Collaborative.

This program is co-sponsored by CLAMS libraries: Aquinnah Public Library, Brewster Ladies’ Library, Centerville Public Library, Eastham Public Library, Falmouth Public Library, Eldredge Public Library, Mashpee Public Library, Provincetown Public Library, Sturgis Library, Truro Public Library, Provincetown, Wellfleet Public Library, Yarmouth Town Libraries, Yarmouth Port Library.

Wednesday, September 28, 6:30-8pm, Hermann Meeting Room
Climate Crisis: How Do I Live With This?
Dr. Heather Goldstone, Woodwell Climate Research Center
Please register to attend this in-person talk.

Humanity faces an unprecedented situation; greenhouse gas levels and global temperatures are higher than they have been at any time in human history. Increasingly severe heat waves, droughts, floods, and fires are impacting communities around the world, and coastal communities like Cape Cod face additional threats from sea level rise and ocean warming and acidification. Confronting this reality can be difficult, but understanding both the risks and opportunities before us can be a source of determination and optimism. And some of our most powerful solutions lie in connecting with nature and community. 

Dr. Heather Goldstone oversees Woodwell Climate Research Center’s communications activities, bringing the rich stories of Woodwell scientists to diverse public audiences. She has extensive experience as both a scientist and a journalist, and she is passionate about melding data and narrative in climate change stories that build awareness and inspire action.