History Beneath Our Feet: State Archeologist Lecture

WATERBURY — The University of Connecticut Waterbury has announced that Nicholas F. Bellantoni, PhD, will be the featured speaker at its Osher Lifelong Learning Open House on Tuesday, August 19, at 10:30 am. The title of his talk will be “History Beneath Our Feet: Archeology in the Naugatuck River Valley.”

Dr Bellantoni has been featured nationally for his work in the field of archeology. He serves as the state archaeologist with Connecticut State Museum of Natural History and Archaeology Center at the University of Connecticut.

He received his doctorate in anthropology from UConn in 1987 and was shortly thereafter appointed state archaeologist. History duties are many, but primarily include the preservation of archaeological sites in the state. His research background is the analysis of skeletal remains from eastern North America. He has been excavating in Connecticut for more than 30 years.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Connecticut Waterbury is a noncredit educational program geared toward adults 50 years and older.

Other open house activities will include a 10 am discussion of lifelong learning led by James Farnham, PhD, OLLI presenter and emeritus professor, Fairfield University. Open house participants will also have the opportunity to enjoy a special discounted lunch (that day only) at eight downtown Waterbury restaurants.

Beginning at 1:30 pm, attendees will have a choice of learning programs including an art program featuring American master artists at the Mattatuck Museum with Marie Galbraith, a historical tour of the Palace Theater with Lou Belloisy, or the viewing of the documentary film Been Rich All My Life at UConn Waterbury, which premiered in Connecticut at the OLLI Kick-off in 2006.

The open house will fun from 9 am to 3 pm, opening with coffee and light refreshments.

Open house reservations are being accepted at 203-236-9925 or osher@uconn.edu. For more information about the event, contact Rita Quinn at 203-236-9924.

Free parking is provided in UConn’s garage on North Elm Street with is attached to the UConn building. Restaurants providing discounts or specials to open house participants that day are Café Europa, City Hall Café, Diorio’s, Dreschers, John Bale Books, Panini Grill, Signatures, and Vintage.