The legend of the Piasa "bird" goes back to the 1600's, when Marquette and Joliet saw a large painting near the Mississippi River where Alton is now located. But what has been passed down through the years is different than what the original artwork was meant to convey.
Dr. Duane Esarey has researched the Piasa and he'll dispel the myths Wednesday during the state museum science series lecture. He spoke with WUIS' Sean Crawford and straightens us out on the subject. He says it all goes back to the early explorers' description of what they saw:
Dr. Duane Esarey, with the Illinois State Archaeological Survey, will explain more about the Piasa legend Wednesday night at the next Illinois State Museum Science Series Lecture. The event is at the Museum's Research and Collections Center, 1011 East Ash Street. It begins at 7 p.m. and is open to the public.
