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Revision as of 23:46, 5 January 2025 by TaphonomyMan (talk | contribs) (Added basic background info about Dr. Stuart)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff) American archaeologist and cartographer| George E. Stuart | |
|---|---|
| Born | George Edwin Stuart III (1935-04-02)April 2, 1935 Glen Ridge, New Jersey |
| Died | June 11, 2014(2014-06-11) (aged 79) Barnardsville, North Carolina |
| Nationality | American |
| Known for | Mesoamerican archaeology, Maya studies, Archaeological mapping |
| Spouse(s) | Gene S. Stuart (d. 1993) Melinda Young Frye |
| Children | Rev. George E. Stuart IV Roberto Stuart Ann Stuart David Stuart Jason Frye (stepson) |
| Academic background | |
| Education | University of South Carolina (B.S.) George Washington University (M.A.) |
| Alma mater | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Ph.D.) |
| Academic work | |
| Discipline | Archaeologist Cartographer |
| Institutions | National Geographic Society |
George Edwin Stuart III (April 2, 1935 – June 11, 2014) was an American archaeologist, cartographer, and scholar best known for his contributions to Mesoamerican and Maya archaeology.He was a long-time staff archaeologist and chair of the National Geographic Society's Committee for Research and Exploration, where he played a significant role in funding and advancing archaeological research. Stuart's work as a scholar, editor, and writer significantly shaped public understanding of Maya culture and New World archaeology.
Early life and education
George Stuart was born on April 2, 1935, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, and raised in Camden, South Carolina. He earned a B.A. in geology from the University of South Carolina in 1956 and later completed a M.A. at George Washington University in 1970. Stuart earned his Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1975. His dissertation, titled The Post-Archaic Occupation of Central South Carolina, focused on the archaeology of central South Carolina, reflecting his early interest in Southeastern U.S. archaeology. During his doctoral studies, he worked under the guidance of Professor Joffre Lanning Coe.
Career
Stuart joined the National Geographic Society (NGS) as a staff archaeologist in 1960, eventually becoming a senior research cartographer and later senior assistant editor for archaeology at National Geographic Magazine. From 1994 to 1998, he chaired the NGS Committee for Research and Exploration, using his position to fund numerous archaeological projects, particularly in Mesoamerica.
His cartographic contributions included the acclaimed "Archaeological Map of Middle America: Land of the Feathered Serpent" (1968) and "Land of the Maya" (1989). These maps remain valuable resources for scholars and enthusiasts alike.
In addition to his work at NGS, Stuart co-directed the Coba Archaeological Mapping Project in Quintana Roo, Mexico, and was instrumental in producing scholarly and public-oriented publications about Maya culture.
Publications
Stuart authored and co-authored several books, often with his first wife, Gene S. Stuart, including:
- Discovering Man's Past in the Americas (1969)
- The Mysterious Maya (1977)
- Lost Kingdoms of the Maya (1993)
With his son, David Stuart, a renowned Maya epigrapher, he co-wrote Palenque: Eternal City of the Maya (2008). His other significant works include Archaeology and You (1996) and Quest for Decipherment (1992), a detailed study of Maya hieroglyphic writing.
Contributions to archaeology
Stuart's legacy includes founding the Research Reports on Ancient Maya Writing, a monograph series that facilitated the publication of Maya hieroglyphic studies. In 1997, he also established the Boundary End Archaeology Research Center in Barnardsville, North Carolina, to continue his research and publication efforts after retirement.
Personal life
Stuart was married twice, first to Gene S. Stuart, with whom he had four children, including the Maya epigrapher David Stuart. After Gene's passing, he married Melinda Young Frye in 1994. He was an avid bibliophile, donating his extensive 15,000-volume library to the University of North Carolina's Wilson Library in 2006.
Death
Stuart passed away at his home in Barnardsville, North Carolina, on June 11, 2014, at the age of 79.
References
- ^ Hammond, Norman (2015). "In Memoriam: Dr. George Stuart". SAA Archaeological Record. 15 (1): 43–44.
- ^ "George Stuart: National Geographic's Staff Archaeologist, Editor, and Maya Scholar". Adventure. 2014-06-12. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
- Stuart, George E. (1975). The Post-Archaic Occupation of Central South Carolina (PDF). University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
- Stuart, George E.; Stuart, Gene S.; National Geographic Society (U.S.). Special Publications Division (1977). The mysterious Maya. Internet Archive. Washington : National Geographic Society. ISBN 978-0-87044-233-9.
- "Coba". peabody.harvard.edu. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
- "Mission". Boundary End. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
- "George Stuart Obituary (2014) - Barnardsville, NC - Asheville Citizen-Times". Legacy.com. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
- "George E. Stuart collection of archaeological and other materials, 1733-2006". researchworks.oclc.org. Retrieved 2025-01-05.