Archaeologist Don Ryan read the book, “Kon-Tiki” as a young boy and became
fascinated with the Norwegian explorer, Thor Heyerdahl, and his adventures.
After an accidental meeting with Heyerdahl many years later, Don served as his
right-hand man during the last years of the great explorer’s life. As someone who
knew Heyerdahl like few others, he will share stories and personal insights about
that remarkable and inspirational man who was a pioneer in experimental
archaeology, an ocean environmentalist, and a world peace advocate.

The Speaker: Dr. Donald P. Ryan is an archaeologist with specialties in such areas
as ancient Egypt, early seafaring, ancient technology, and Polynesia. He is
especially well-known for his work in Egypt’s famed Valley of the Kings where he
has discovered lost tombs and controversial mummies. Ryan is the author of
numerous scientific and popular articles on archaeological subjects, and several
books. He is currently a Faculty Fellow in the School of Liberal Studies at Pacific
Lutheran University

*This event is sponsored by The Royal Norwegian Consulate General in San
Francisco, the Ryan family, and the Pacific Lutheran University Scandinavian
Cultural Center.