Dr. Irving Finkel, a curator at London’s British Museum and a world authority on ancient Mesopotamia, will offer a free lecture and book signing from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m., Fri.,, Nov. 28 at the Newburgh Free Library, 124 Grand Street. This program is part of a series of events over the Thanksgiving weekend to celebrate his new book, The Ark Before Noah and his upcoming Discovery Channel Documentary.

Dr. Finkel first publically announced his discovery of a 3,800 year old tablet with actual instructions to build an ark in a lecture at SUNY Orange, Newburgh in February 2012. He will be discussing his subsequent findings and the impact of them on the development of the Old Testament Flood Story.

The Guardian calls it “‘one of the most important human documents ever discovered… his conclusions will send ripples into the world of creationism and among ark hunters.”

A lively and entertaining speaker, this will be Dr. Finkel’s fifth visit to the Hudson Valley to share his passion for the Ancient Near East.

Following Dr. Finkel’s lecture at the library, a “Reception with the Author” will take place from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at The Historic North Plank Road Tavern, 30 Plank Road, Newburgh. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served, $15 per person (free with the purchase of his book, wherever purchased).

For more information on the “Reception with the Author”, please contact the North Plank Road Tavern at 845-562-5031. Ask to speak with Tom Costa.