Pyramids. Scuba Gear. Cutting-edge Discovery: AIA/CHAS Lecture

The Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) Northern New Jersey Society brought world-class exploration to Montclair State University on March 31! Dr. Pearce Paul Creasman, the 2026 speaker of The Frederick R. and Margaret B. Matson Lectureship for the Near Eastern Archaeology and Archaeological Technology, captivated an engaged audience with his groundbreaking underwater excavations at the Royal Cemetery of Nuri, Sudan.

Co-hosted by the Center for Heritage and Archaeological Studies (CHAS), this event offered a rare look at the innovative methods used to investigate and preserve ancient heritage increasingly affected by rising groundwater.

The lecture’s success reflects the vibrant scholarly environment fostered by CHAS and the Department of Classics and General Humanities, which serve as a vital bridge for archaeological research and public heritage on campus. AIA and CHAS are leading the conversation on the future of archaeological science and public engagement.