It is not often that one gets to witness a fitting celebration of a remarkable career, which makes this occasion extraordinary. You are all warmly invited to attend a tribute of sorts for Professor Glenn Summerhayes, to honour his outstanding contributions to western Pacific archaeology and population history. The event will open with a seminar presented by Professor Summerhayes himself, followed by the launch of Forty Years in the South Seas: Archaeological Perspectives on the Human History of Papua New Guinea and the Western Pacific Region, a festschrift featuring 19 chapters on the human history of Papua New Guinea and the Western Pacific to honour Glenn’s career (University of Otago) who will retire in 2025. Three of Glenn’s former students—Anne Ford, Dylan Gaffney and CHL’s Dr Ben Shaw—edited the book and contributed chapters. Each chapter has a connection to how the person or topic involves Glenn.

Seminar

Over the last 15 years, archaeological research on the north coast and inland areas of mainland New Guinea and offshore islands has produced interesting insights into this areas past, including understanding the appearance and role of Lapita communities, if any. This lecture will review a number of projects and present up to date results.

Time: 2:30pm to 4pm
Date: 24 May 2024
Venue: McDonald Room, Menzies Library
Title: Understanding the appearance of ceramics on mainland New Guinea: Outline of recent research
Speaker: Professor Glenn Summerhayes (University of Otago)

Book launch: Forty Years in the South Seas: Archaeological Perspectives on the Human History of Papua New Guinea and the Western Pacific Region

Book editors: Anne Ford, Ben Shaw and Dylan Gaffney

The School of Culture, History & Language is proud to host the book launch of the Terra Australis volume called Forty years in the South Seas: Archaeological Perspectives on the Human History of Papua New Guinea and the Western Pacific Region. This edited volume is in honour of Glenn Summerhayes’ archaeological career in Papua New Guinea, with contributions by many of his colleagues. In a career spanning more than four decades, Glenn has undertaken extensive research on the long-term human histories of the Asia-Pacific region, with a prominent focus on Papua New Guinea. As a researcher he has made significant contributions to the archaeology of the region and as an educator Glenn has mentored numerous students.

Time: 4pm to 6pm
Date: 24 May 2024
Venue: Coombs Tea room, HC Coombs Building

Registration is essential. Light nibbles and drinks will be served on this occasion. Please register by 20 May so we can accordingly make catering arrangements.

Note: Both the seminar and the book launch will be in hybrid mode, with a Zoom option for those who cannot be here in person. The Zoom details will be shared with guests once they register.

Please note: If you require accessibility accommodations or a visitor Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan please contact the event organiser(s), ANU School of Culture, History & Language (communicate.chl@anu.edu.au) and ANU Press (anupress@anu.edu.au).