If you're interested in the past, you might want to attend the opening meeting of the new Rutherford County Archaeological Society (RCAS). It will be 6:30 Thursday night, January 29th, at the Heritage Center (225 W. College Street).

Archaeologist Laura Fyock Bartel, founder of the group, told NewsRadio WGNS, "We're open to anyone interested in archaeology. Our focus is on the archaeology and cultural heritage of the county, as well as archaeological and anthropological topics in general".

Bartel is a Murfreesboro resident and anthropology instructor at Motlow State Community College.

She noted, "We are an inclusive group composed of individuals from various walks of life. Our goal is to bring together professional archaeologists and the general public to experience, share, and protect the past for future generations."

The inaugural meeting will feature a special presentation by Dr. Tanya M. Peres, entitled "Prehistory Beneath Our Feet: Doing Archaeology in Rutherford County, Tennessee." Dr. Peres is director of the Rutherford County Archaeology Research Program and associate professor of anthropology at Middle Tennessee State University.

Peres will provide an overview of archaeology in Rutherford County, discuss two recently identified prehistoric archaeological sites, including one in Murfreesboro, and share how the public can get involved in order to help document the county's ancient past before it is lost to growth and development.

"Rutherford County was home to Native Americans over 7,000 years ago and two recently identified sites have given us clues to the past lives of these ancient residents. There is a rich prehistoric cultural past in Rutherford County that we are just beginning to understand," said Dr. Peres.

For more information on the Rutherford County Archaeological Society, go to facebook.com/groups/RCAS.TN or contact Laura Bartel at lbanthro@gmail.com