What did Phoenix bury to build its airport?

📍 Location: Hundred Mile Brewing Company

📚 Talk: What did Phoenix bury to build its airport?

How do we hold onto the past while our communities keep growing? This talk asks, why do we need the past and what do we lose when we forget it? It looks at the archaeology of a parcel of land in the heart of Phoenix to see both the thousands of years of human history that have shaped this space and what we lose when we bulldoze history in the name of development. As new housing, data centers, mining, and other development reshape our communities, what happens to the history beneath our feet—and who decides what should be saved? Drawing on his work at the Portland Tract, one of the country’s first neighborhoods created for Black families, Dr. Kroot explores how archaeologists uncover the past and what is lost when history makes way for growth. No archaeology background required — just bring your curiosity.

🎤 Speaker: Matthew V. Kroot, PhD, is an archaeologist with the School of Human Evolution and Social Change at Arizona State University. His work focuses on how communities preserve — and sometimes lose — their history amid rapid growth and development, including his ongoing archaeological project at the Portland Tract in Phoenix.

The night is designed as a three-part talk experience, with guided table discussions between each chapter, so you can engage with the ideas and connect with the people around you.

Location: Hundred Mile Brewing Company (Tempe)

Hundred Mile Brewing Company is a woman-owned, woman-brewed craft brewery near Tempe Town Lake, founded by ASU microbiology grad Sue Rigler. Its 10-barrel brewhouse turns out small-batch beers—from the 'A' Mountain Amber Ale to the Desert Neon Hazy IPA.

🚪 Doors open at 6:30 pm, presentation starts promptly at 7:00pm

🪑 Communal group tables designed for conversation. Perfect for coming solo or with friends.

🍺 Drinks: A selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase. Food will not be served in our event room, but Hundred Mile Brewing serves food if you’d like to eat there before the talk.

🎥 This event may be photographed and recorded for marketing purposes. If you prefer not to appear in photos, just let us know at check-in.

🎟 Refunds are available until October 15th. Tickets are also transferable. If you can't attend, you're welcome to give or resell your ticket to someone else.