The San Bernardino County Museum kicks off its 2012–13 Guest Lecture series on Wednesday, August 22 at 7:30 p.m. with Alan P. Garfinkel, Ph.D speaking on bighorn sheep. The lecture is free and open to the public.

“Bighorn sheep are fascinating animals, both in their physical form and in their behavior,” said Garfinkel. “Evidence suggests that these animals were something more than a mere sustenance resource to the aboriginal inhabitants of the Desert West.”

His presentation will explore the religious and ceremonial significance of bighorn sheep and review prehistoric archaeological features where bighorn animal bones were discovered. Garfinkel will also consider the great number of bighorn rock drawings, paintings, and effigies in the Great Basin as well as ethnographically documented aboriginal exploitation of bighorn in concert with the religious traditions of the region’s late prehistoric Numic-speaking peoples.

Garfinkel is a senior project manager based in AECOM’s Camarillo, California office. He has over 35 years of experience in cultural resource management and in the study of prehistoric and historic archaeology. He is a scholar and lecturer in the field of aboriginal rock art. He works closely with a number of Native American groups in California and the Great Basin in an effort to preserve, protect and interpret their cultural heritage. Dr. Garfinkel was the recipient of the 2008 and 2011 California State Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation.

The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 am to 5pm. General admission is $8 (adult), $6 (military or senior), $5 (student), and $4 (child aged 5 to 12). Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sb countymuseum.org. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services’ telephone number is 909-307-2669 ext. 229 or (TDD) 909-792-1462.