Archaeologist Geoffrey Hughes, Ph.D., lecturer in anthropology, is being featured as an academic expert on an episode of the PBS show Finding Your Roots. His archaeological dig site at Old Salem intersected with the “Point God,” 12-time All-Star Chris Paul.
Paul, a Winston-Salem native who just announced his retirement after 21 seasons, is related to Peter Oliver. Oliver was a slave who labored at Bethabara and Salem. He joined the Moravian church, became a skilled potter, and used his earnings to secure his freedom in Pennsylvania in 1800. He then returned to Salem as a free man.
The Finding Your Roots episode “Love & Basketball” focuses on Paul’s connection to Oliver, with Hughes providing the historical and archaeological information about Peter’s kiln site at Old Salem. Hughes has been conducting field schools at Old Salem. He and his students have been excavating an experimental pottery kiln site at Old Salem Museums & Gardens, which played a crucial role in Peter Oliver’s experience as a potter and his journey to freedom.
Special Find Your Roots Showing
On Sunday, Feb. 22, Hughes will speak at a special screening of the episode “Love & Basketball” at the Main Theater at the Ace Exhibition Complex-UNCSA School of Filmmaking.
Feb. 22, 3–5:30 p.m.
1533 S. Main Street, Winston-Salem
Hughes will serve on a discussion panel at the end of the screening. The audience will also hear from members of Paul’s family and PBS North Carolina staff with a behind-the-scenes look at the episode at its historical context.
The event is free and open to the public, but requires an RSVP. A reception will follow.
