Mathews native and public historian Russell Reed, site manager for American Indian Encampments of Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, will speak on “Mathews, Virginia, and the Eastern Woodlands: A Native History” on Thursday, March 5, at Mathews Memorial Library, beginning at 7 p.m.

Reed will present an exploration of the native and early history of Tidewater Virginia. He will examine artifacts and material culture that constructs a picture of local history from the first peoples to the early colonial period.

Reed hails from Onemo, and is a 2011 Mathews High School graduate. He is an anthropology graduate from Longwood University and, as a student, worked at Jamestown Settlement as an historical interpreter. He has held the position of anthropologist and assistant site superintendent for the museum’s Paspahegh Town Site. He appeared in a nationally televised PBS documentary on native traditions. Reed is a descendant of the Louisiana-based Atakapa tribe and served his country in the Army National Guard.

The Mathews County Historical Society is sponsoring Reed’s presentation, which is free and open to the public. Mathews Memorial Library is the co-sponsor. Refreshments will be served. For more information, visit www.mathewshistory.org or www.mathewslibrary.org.