Ohio State Newark Professor to Discuss “Decolonizing” Archaeological Research

The study of the past is rapidly changing. Archaeologists, historians and scholars from related disciplines have come to recognize that their work is deeply rooted in the same set of settler/colonial narratives and assumptions that have shaped Western society more broadly.

Robert Cook, PhD, will discuss his work to “decolonize” archaeological and historical research practices in an upcoming virtual Faculty Talks Outside the Box lecture on Tuesday, March 29, at 4 p.m.

Cook’s presentation will focus on his involvement in an interdisciplinary study of a particular site in southwestern Ohio — Turpin — and its goal of helping mend severed attachments to ancestral homelands. Yet this project goes further and conducts a type of archaeology of archaeology itself, studying the process as it was first practiced in the late 1800s and remedying its deficiencies through modern field and lab methods in collaboration with descendant communities and other stakeholders. Ultimately, the goal of the project is to develop a model for a decolonized archaeological research centered on collaboration between archaeologists, historians, descendant communities and the broader public.

Register at go.osu.edu/unsettling. If you require an accommodation to participate fully, please contact Holly Mason at mason.536@osu.edu. Requests should be made as soon as possible but no later than March 15. Requests will be accepted beyond that date, and every effort to provide a needed accommodation will be made.

During Faculty Talks Outside the Box, Ohio State Newark professors discuss recent research in their fields as it relates to our community and answer questions. All talks are free and open to the public.

The Ohio State University at Newark offers an academic environment that is inclusive of diversity, challenging but supportive with world-renowned professors and access to Ohio State’s more than 200 majors. It’s where learning comes to life. Research, study abroad and service learning opportunities prepare students for their careers in ways they never expected.