Exploring our human origins: Pinnacle Point

Celebrate UNESCO’s newest World Heritage Site, Pinnacle Point, with a special talk by Foundation Professor Curtis Marean. For over 25 years, Marean has led groundbreaking research at this South African site, uncovering pivotal insights into early human life, including the first evidence of seafood consumption and advanced pyrotechnology.  

Join us on Wednesday, December 11 at 6:00 p.m. in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change’s Innovation Gallery to learn about Marean’s discoveries and perspectives on this extraordinary site, and insights on what made Pinnacle Point uniquely suited to foster early human innovation and survival. Marean will also discuss the role that the location’s new World Heritage Site designation will have in positively impacting the local community. 

After the talk, enjoy special evening access to the Innovation Gallery’s latest exhibit, "Finding Lucy."  Explore photographs, casts, and lifelike reproductions that illuminate Lucy’s discovery, her place in the human family tree, and how she continues to shape our understanding of what it means to be human.