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Cannibalism At Jamestown

Artist: StudioEIS; Photo: Don Hurlbert, Smithsonian

Experts at Preservation Virginia, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and the Smithsonian Institution have produced the first scientifically-verified case of survival cannibalism in colonial America. On Tuesday, forensic analysis of the 17th Century human remains of a 14-year old girl labeled “Jane” were unveiled. The discovery sheds new light on the deadly colonial winter of 1609 to 1610 referred to as the "starving time.” William Kelso, chief archeologist from Jamestown Rediscovery Project at Preservation Virginia provides us with some context about the discovery.

Virginia Prescott is the Gracie Award-winning host of Word of Mouth, Civics 101, The 10-Minute Writers Workshop podcasts, and the Writers on A New England Stage series on New Hampshire Public Radio. Prior to joining NHPR, she was editor, producer, and director for NPR programs On Point and Here & Now, and directed interactive media for New York Public Radio.
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