U of A Anthropology Hosts Open House Feb. 20 for Public Exploration

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Ever wonder what anthropologists work on behind closed doors?

Now's the chance to explore because the Department of Anthropology at the University of Arkansas' J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences is hosting its fourth annual free Anthropology Open House from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, on the first floor of Old Main.

Get the inside scoop on everything the profession entails from primate anatomy, to uncovering ancient Egypt, to understanding how living cultures vary, to the ways dental patterns and wear can unlock the secrets of humanity's collective paths and more.

Other topics will include cultural anthropology, 3D imaging and printing, bioarchaeology, ceramic analysis, remote sensing and GIS, bipedalism and Laetoli footprints, bluff shelters, the University of Arkansas Museum and more.

Claire Terhune, an assistant professor whose research focuses on understanding the evolution and function of primate, modern human and fossil hominin skull shape, helped organize and create the event.

"We're excited to open our doors to the public and to share our passion for all aspects of anthropology," Terhune said. "We'll have fun activities for kids, too, and participants will learn about student and faculty research in the subdisciplines of archeological, biological and cultural anthropology."

Terhune said the event also recognizes and celebrates the American Anthropological Association's World Anthropology Day.

Poster and table displays will showcase special projects, and there will be games and snacks to round out the free experience, Terhune said.

For more information, visit the Department of Anthropology website.

About the Department of Anthropology: The Department of Anthropology examines similarities and differences among people, lifestyles and world views through time by the study of artifacts and material remains, the evolution of humankind and other primates and issues such as ethnicity, gender, class, social inequity and religion. Courses help students explore many approaches to the various subfields.