Painting Titled “Unlocking the Past”

This painting was produced by the Southeast Archeological Center (SEAC) as part of the Society for Historical Archaeology's Unlocking the Past project in 2003. The concept for the image was developed by SEAC staff members in consultation with the artist, Martin Pate, and members of the Society for Historical Archaeology Public Information and Information Committee. It depicts the importance of research and public interpretation of objects made, used, and discarded by people from the many cultures that have contributed to the history of North America. The painting hangs in the hallway just outside the SEAC library.