"Jamestowne, The Buried Truth"

Event Details

Dr. William M. Kelso, Director of Research & Interpretation, Historic Jamestowne, presents "Jamestowne, The Buried Truth"

Lured by the promise of a better life, in 1607 a band of adventurers established the first enduring English settlement in the New World: Jamestowne. The colony's early history was a troubled one, beginning with an alleged mutiny during the crossing from England and continuing through many struggles for power, incidents of civil unrest, Indian wars, drought, starvation, even survival cannibalism. The actual site of the first settlement, James Fort was long thought to have been lost to river erosion. Over twenty years of archaeological discoveries, re-examination of historical documents and forensic research proved that the lost Fort survived on dry land. This multi-media presentation will unveil a re-written Jamestowne story including recovery of the original townscape and mysteries from the grave.

Dr. William M. Kelso is the Director of Research and Interpretation at Historic Jamestowne. He holds a Master's Degree in Early American History from the College of William and Mary, a Ph.D. from Emory University, honorary doctorates in Philosophy, Archaeology and Science, and is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London. In 2012, Queen Elizabeth II named him "Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire", one of the highest orders of chivalry. For more than fifty years, Dr. Kelso has pursued Early American historical archaeology serving as director of archaeology at Carter's Grove, Kingsmill, and for fourteen years at Thomas Jefferson's homes, Monticello, and Poplar Forest. In 1994, Dr. Kelso began archaeological excavations at Jamestowne for Preservation Virginia in search of the remains of the 1607 James Fort, thought lost to James River erosion. Kelso and his remarkably talented team of archaeologists, curators, and conservators soon discovered the lost Fort and continue to explore its mysteries. He is the author of numerous books on archaeology, including the award-winning "Jamestowne, The Buried Truth."

At South Carolina Society Hall, 72 Meeting Street, Charleston SC 29401.

Doors open at 5:30 pm with a Wine and Cheese Reception.

Event Sponsor: The Francis Marion Hotel

For more information, please contact Tara White Odom, Development Events Coordinator, 843-769-2627 or [email protected]