Archaeological researcher, author will speak at Museum on Jan. 16

Mississippi Prehistoric Indians and Artifacts is the topic of January Museum Moments. James Starnes, author and researcher will be the guest speaker at Museum Moments at the Union County Heritage Museum on Thursday, January 16, 12 noon.

James Starnes’ comprehensive book on artifacts of Mississipp1.

“This is a great opportunity to hear reliable archaeological information,” said Jill Smith, Museum Director. Pieces of the past appear in the forms of many times unknown stone and clay in Union County and throughout the state. James Starnes is a person who has visited many sites, is an expert on flint and stone and the author of a comprehensive book on artifacts of Mississippi. He has visited hundreds of sites.

Starnes has more than 20 years of experience in archaeological field research and cultural resources management working for Archaeology Mississippi, Inc. & Star-Hawk Archaeological Research.  During his career he has studied and recorded over 1,000 archaeological sites.

He is a research consultant for the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science’s paleontology program and conservation biology team. For National Parks Service, he is a research consultant for the geologic and paleontological resources inventory programs, and publishes detailed geologic maps for the National Park properties in Mississippi.

James Stark at work

James is the Research Director for the Surface Geology and Surface Mapping Division at Mississippi’s Department of Environmental Quality’s Office of Geology (State Geological Survey). He has Bachelor of Science in Geology from Millsaps College and is a board licensed Registered Professional Geologist.

His research encompasses over 140 professional publications in a diversity of earth science disciplines including paleontology, stratigraphy, petrology, geoarchaeology, archaeology, geomorphology, and geological mapping.

This event is free, thanks to the Community Partners of the museum. A light lunch, courtesy of Junta Book Club will be available at 11:30. For more information call 662-538-0014. The museum is located at 114 Cleveland St., New Albany, MS

Jill Smith, Director
Union County Heritage Museum
114 Cleveland Street
New Albany,MS 38652