Written in Bone

Human bones tell stories. With careful analysis by highly trained forensic anthropologists, bones can reveal gender, age, medical procedures, disease and cause of death. For a group of forensic anthropologists, archaeologists and historians from the Smithsonian Institution, studying the bones of 17th century American colonists has led to a groundbreaking new exhibition now on display at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.

“Written in Bone” introduces visitors of all ages to the mysteries of the human skeleton by providing an interactive look into the lives of early American colonists in Jamestown, Virginia and St. Mary’s City, Maryland. The multimedia exhibition brings Colonial America to life with actual bone findings from the Jamestown and St. Mary’s City archaeological sites; a short film produced by The History Channel; professional Shakespearean actors portraying actual colonists in 17th century America; a hands-on forensic laboratory; a webcomic and book based on the discovery; and age-specific teaching lab components that are taught exclusively by Smithsonian Institution teachers and museum docents.

The goal of the exhibition, says Doug Owsley, Curator and Division Head of the Natural History Department, “Is to show how bones lived, not just died. Each skeleton has a legacy and a story that we can relate to. This exhibition sets visitors up to travel back in time in a richly illustrated and detailed way.”

Smithsonian Institution experts, including renowned forensic anthropologist Dr. Owsley, employed traditional archaeological techniques to excavate the Jamestown and St. Mary’s City sites. Once at the lab, the bones were analyzed using cutting edge technology to decipher each skeleton’s story. From disease to the toil of daily living, the bones paint a clear picture of what life was like in Colonial America—and the challenges colonists faced.

Teachers and students can see the results of the scientists’ findings firsthand when they visit the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. The importance of bringing the education component into the exhibition, Dr. Owsley says, is to promote knowledge of and interest in the human skeleton. “For me,” he says, “it was teacher in junior high school who introduced me to the study of anatomy. I believe one teacher really can make a difference.”

“Written in Bone” runs until February 6, 2011 at the National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C. For more information, please visit www.mnh.si.edu.