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Media Contact:
JP O’Hare
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Join Renowned Geochronologist Dr. Jim Aronson for an Exclusive Lecture on the Groundbreaking Discovery of Lucy and Her World 

The New York State Museum invites visitors to a free presentation celebrating the 50th anniversary of the discovery of Lucy, one of the most iconic fossils in the study of human evolution. On Sunday, November 17, 2024, renowned geochronologist Dr. Jim Aronson will present a fascinating look into his pioneering work on the groundbreaking excavation of Lucy's remains in Hadar, Ethiopia.

This engaging event, entitled Opportunities of Dating an Older Woman: Lucy and the Beginnings of Humankind – The Geology and Natural History of How She Lived and Died, will take attendees on a journey through the discovery and analysis of Lucy’s ancient environment. Dr. Aronson, who was part of the team that unearthed the Australopithecus afarensis fossil in 1974, will share firsthand accounts of his experiences in the Afar Triangle and provide insights into the methods he used to reconstruct the world in which Lucy lived—a lush, vibrant ecosystem that stood in stark contrast to the arid landscape of the region today.

Dr. Aronson will also discuss the discovery of the “First Family,” a group of 13 hominins found near Lucy’s remains. This discovery provided information about how these early ancestors of humans lived and died approximately 3.2 million years ago. The lecture will offer new perspectives on how science has uncovered the details of our evolutionary past and celebrate this milestone in paleontological history.

Geochronologist Dr. Jim Aronson said, "Lucy’s discovery was a turning point in our understanding of human origins. It was a privilege to be part of the team that uncovered her remains, and I’m excited to share the incredible story of her discovery and the cutting-edge science that continues to illuminate our evolutionary journey with the visitors of the New York State Museum."

Event: Opportunities of Dating an Older Woman: Lucy and the Beginnings of Humankind – The Geology and Natural History of How She Lived and Died
Date: Sunday, November 17, 2024 | 1:00 PM
Location: Huxley Theater, New York State Museum, Albany, NY

Event Highlights: 

• Firsthand accounts from Dr. Jim Aronson, geochronologist and key member of the 1974 discovery team. 
• Insights into the paleontological and geological methods used to reconstruct Lucy’s ancient environment. 
• A look into the “First Family,” a remarkable group of hominins that provides a glimpse into the lives of early human ancestors. 
• A celebration of Lucy's legacy and the profound impact her discovery had on our understanding of human evolution. 

About the Cultural Education Center

Established in 1836, the New York State Museum is the oldest and largest public museum in the United States. Home to leading scientists, historians, archeologists, and anthropologists, its collections represent the State’s rich cultural and natural heritage from the past and present, including a staggering 20+ million artifacts spanning 480 million years ago to today. Located at 222 Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Admission is free. For additional information, visit the New York State Museum website.    

The New York State Library is part of the Office of Cultural Education within the New York State Education Department. Visit the New York State Library website for a complete list of upcoming programs. To receive news, resources, and other updates, please subscribe to the quarterly newsletter. 

The New York State Archives holds many of the oldest and most important archival treasures in the nation. The Archives preserves and makes accessible over 250 million records of New York’s State and colonial governments dating from 1630 to the present. The State Archives provides free access to photographs, artifacts, documents, manuscripts, and other materials that tell the story of New York’s history via its Digital Collections on the Archives website.

The Archives Partnership Trust was founded in 1992 to build an endowment and provide project support to enhance humanities programs, increase access to these outstanding treasures, and continue the preservation of New York's historical records. Since its founding, the Partnership Trust, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has supported exceptional projects and programs. These include the Research Residency Program, the Student Research Awards Program, history conferences, special exhibitions, public education programs, book signings and lectures, publications, teacher training institutes, preservation projects, and more. 

The State Museum, State Library, and State Archives are programs of the New York State Education Department’s Office of Cultural Education. Further information about programs and events can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877 or by visiting the Office of Cultural Education website.