Miller Speaks on 'Human Use of the Chesapeake' April 7

SALISBURY, MD---Early settlers commented on the richness of the land and waters of the Chesapeake Region. But how have people used the local environment over millennia? When did humans begin causing major environmental changes?

Dr. Henry Miller, director of research for the Maryland State Museum at historic St. Mary’s City, addresses these questions as Salisbury University’s 2010 Wilcomb Washburn Distinguished Lecturer in American History. He speaks 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 7, in the Wicomico Room of the Guerrieri University Center.

His lecture, “An Abundant and Fruitful Land: An Overview of Human Use of the Chesapeake Though History,” is presented by SU’s Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture in cooperation with the Maryland Humanities Council and Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Council.

With evidence from fish bones to shipping records, Miller evaluates human use and impact upon the Chesapeake. Particular emphasis is given to the Colonial and 19th century periods, and the subjects of land use and the harvesting of fish and other marine life.

A historical archaeologist with over 30 years of experience in the Chesapeake region and work on Colonial Maryland, Miller’s research interests include colonial architecture, foods, ceramics, the domestic landscape and city design. He holds a Ph.D. in anthropology from Michigan State University.

Admission is free and the public is invited. For more information call 410-543-6312 or visit the Nabb Research Center Web site at http://nabbhistory.salisbury.edu.