Painter, archaeologist to discuss growing up in Oak Ridge, 1951-1976

A painter and former state archeologist will discuss his experiences growing up in Oak Ridge from 1951 to 1976 during a Thursday evening meeting.

Nick Fielder served as the Tennessee State Archeologist from 1983 to 2008. His Thursday evening presentation to the Oak Ridge Heritage and Preservation Association is titled “Growing up radioactive in Oak Ridge: My adventures from 1951 to 1976. A slide-illustrated lecture by Nick Fielder.”

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. Thursday at the American Museum of Science and Energy.

Fielder grew up in Oak Ridge. He obtained an advanced degree in anthropology, returned to his home town, and conducted the archaeological survey of Oak Ridge in the early 1970s while on staff at the University of Tennessee, a press release said.

Since retiring, he has devoted time to his painting passion. The exhibit of his “Art of Oak Ridge” is on display in the main lobby at AMSE.

The Oak Ridge Heritage and Preservation Association serves to promote historic preservation and the history of Oak Ridge’s heritage. Monthly meetings are open to the public, and they are normally held in the Midtown Community Center. But there are exceptions for special “field trip”meetings, such as this month’s meeting at AMSE.