Behind the Excavation: Stories from a Life in Archaeology

Join Dr. Diane Beynon Landers for an evening of firsthand stories about her four decades in archaeology. Dr. Landers will be in conversation with Dave Scofield, Director of Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, discussing her groundbreaking work beginning in the 1970s. That's when she was part of the team that uncovered evidence of human habitation at Meadowcroft dating back nearly 19,000 years—a discovery that changed how we understand when people first arrived in North America. You'll hear behind-the-scenes insights and personal accounts from her time at Meadowcroft and throughout her remarkable career. Before the program, explore the Planet Ice exhibit on the museum's first floor, which features authentic artifacts from Meadowcroft including tools, an elk tooth, and passenger pigeon bones. Tickets are $10 for non-members and $5 for members. Your ticket also gives you access to the entire Heinz History Center all day (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.). The program runs 90 minutes on the fifth floor. If you need American Sign Language interpretation, contact the museum in advance at the provided email address.