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The African American Experience in WNC - Unmarked Graves

Thu, Feb 15

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Apodaca Science Building Rm 115

Blair Tormey, a licensed geologist at Western Carolina University, has added an important element to the study of African Americans in Western North Carolina: expanding our understanding of unmarked graves in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The African American Experience in WNC - Unmarked Graves
The African American Experience in WNC - Unmarked Graves

Time & Location

Feb 15, 2024, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Apodaca Science Building Rm 115, Cullowhee, NC 28723, USA

About the Event

Blair Tormey, a licensed geologist with the Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines at Western Carolina University, has added an important element to the study of African Americans in Western North Carolina. Over the last 15 years, his expertise using Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) has expanded our understanding of the presence of frequently unmarked graves in what is now the Great Smokies National Park and other locations throughout Western North Carolina. To date, Tormey has located over 100 such burials. Sponsored by AAUW WCU* in honor of African American History Month, join us to learn about this important legacy and the people who lived and died here over 100 years ago.

Professor Tormey earned a bachelor’s degree in geosciences from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in geological sciences from the University of North Carolina.

Related Article: https://www.wcu.edu/stories/posts/hallowed-ground.aspx

*American Association of University Women WCU Branch

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