10/07/2026
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The Heinz History Center and Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village are deeply saddened about the passing of Dr. James Adovasio, the renowned archaeologist who achieved international acclaim with his excavation of the Meadowcroft Rockshelter beginning in 1973.
His work at Meadowcroft brought the first serious challenge to the existing paradigm that people had only been on the North American continent for 13,000 years. Evidence from the Adovasio-led excavation at the Rockshelter demonstrated a human presence at the site dating back at least 19,000 years.
Thanks to the work of Dr. Adovasio and his team, the Rockshelter was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2005 and welcomes thousands of archaeology enthusiasts from around the world each year.
“Jim’s demand for archaeological precision and determination in the face of adversity helped bring scientific gravitas to the Meadowcroft Rockshelter,” said David Scofield, director at Meadowcroft. “Having known Jim for over 30 years, he had a huge influence on my life and countless others. His scientific breakthroughs at Meadowcroft have impacted the world and how we study North America’s earliest people.”
Dr. Adovasio served as the Director of Archaeology for the History Center and was recognized as a History Maker award recipient in 2023. In addition to his work at Meadowcroft, he excavated at locations around the world and was recognized as a global authority on perishable materials such as ancient basketry and textiles.
All of us at the History Center and Meadowcroft send our thoughts and condolences to Jim’s wife Judy and family.
https://www.goerie.com/obituaries/psom1577928
