Presented by R. E. Burrillo | Researcher, author, conservationist, and cultural preservationist
American Archaeology: The Past, Present, and Future of the Past
Archaeology has captured the American imagination for generations, but how much of what we think we know comes from myth, movies, and misconceptions? Researcher, author, conservationist, and cultural preservationist R. E. Burrillo takes us behind the scenes to explore archaeology’s evolution from collecting and exploration into a science, while confronting its complicated ties to nationalism, colonialism, exploitation, and cultural preservation.
Through lively stories of discovery, controversy, and life in the field, Burrillo invites us to look at archaeology with fresh eyes. Together, we’ll consider not only what the past can teach us, but who gets to tell its stories, who benefits from them, and what archaeology can become in the future.
About the presenter
R.E. Burrillo is a researcher, author, conservationist, and cultural preservationist. He holds a Master of Science in Archaeology from the University of Utah and is a research associate with Archaeology Southwest. His writing has appeared in Kiva, American Antiquity, Archaeology Southwest Magazine, Colorado Plateau Advocate, and The Salt Lake Tribune, along with many regional publications.
He is also the author of Behind the Bears Ears: Exploring the Cultural and Natural Histories of a Sacred Landscape, which was chosen by ForeWord Book Reviews as their critic’s choice in nonfiction for the year 2020; The Backwoods of Everywhere: Words from a Wandering Local, an essay collection published in 2022; and American Archaeology: Living History, Stolen Pasts, and Defending the Future, scheduled for publication in April 2026. He currently lives in Tucson, Arizona.
Free For Everyone
Our virtual lectures are a part of our Outreach and Education efforts. They are free to our members and the general public. Recorded lectures are posted on YouTube and on the event page after the event occurs.
For questions about the event or how to register, please contact Tracy Loe ([email protected]) or Sarah Webber ([email protected]).
