The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation's (TDEC) Division of Archaeology will co-host the 31st annual Current Research in Tennessee Archaeology (CRITA) meeting Friday and Saturday, January 18-19 at Middle Tennessee State University's James Union Building.

The event presents archaeological updates from the across the state in the past year and is held in partnership with MTSU.

While Friday's agenda includes the Tennessee Archaeological Advisory Council meeting and the Tennessee Council for Professional Archaeology business meeting, the presentations Saturday beginning at 8: 30 a.m. continue throughout the day and are free and open to the public. The Saturday presentations will be in the Tennessee Room.

"The conference provides a way for experts across the state to share their findings from the past year," said Michael C. Moore, state archaeologist and director of TDEC's Division of Archaeology. "While professionals, avocational archaeologists and students are the primary audience, anyone who is interested in our state's archaeology is welcome to attend."

Presentations include current or recent research in archaeology in the state. The Saturday program includes presentations on the new Tennessee State Museum, a historical perspective on David Crockett Birthplace State Park and Tennessee cave and rock art research. The program includes 20 presentations, and 10 posters will address current or recent archaeological research in Tennessee. Parking for the Saturday program is available on campus in any white or green-zoned lot.

For more information, visit https://www.tn.gov/environment/program-areas/arch-archaeology/redirect--current-research-in-tennessee-archaeology--crita-/upcoming-meeting.html.