The Archaeology of Disaster
Fire, flood, famine, war, plague, earthquake…all major disasters leave distinctive signatures in the archaeological record. Illinois has seen its share of all these disasters. From the New Madrid quakes of 1811/1812 that changed the very course of the Mississippi River to the Great Flood of 1993, Illinoisans are adapting today to events that have a history long beyond living memory. In this presentation, Gregory Vogel explains the prehistory and history of these events as they are recorded in the archaeological and geological records and explores with the audience the lessons they may hold for us today.
Gregory Vogel holds a PhD from the University of Arkansas, writes a regular newspaper column, and gives monthly radio interviews on various aspects of Illinois archeology and environmental history. For more than 18 years, he has developed numerous programs about the environments of the Lower Illinois River and has given workshops and presentations on various aspects of Illinois history, prehistory, and human /environment interactions.
