A prolific author and lecturer, and a modern day "Indiana Jones," Robert Hicks specializes in highly interactive and situational presentations, making use of case studies and role-plays. With a background as a naval officer, historian, and police officer, Hicks draws on his varied experiences when discussing maritime and criminal justice themes. Hicks' newest book, This Art of Arts: Navigation in the Era of Discovery, explores maritime navigation in the Jamestown era. With the look and feel of archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones, Hicks is a memorable and insightful presenter.

Hicks strives to illustrate the relationship between history and science and technology with the goal of stimulating reflection on current day life. Having presented dozens of papers, published dozens of articles, book chapters and self-contained books, Hicks has made a voluminous contribution to the studies of anthropology, archaeology, astronomy, navigation, crime and justice, and historic preservation. As part of his study of archaeology, Hicks has worked extensively with lead Jamestown archaeologist Bill Kelso in his efforts to rediscover America's first permanent settlement.

His varied and multidisciplinary background make him a credible source on numerous topics, as evidenced by his approximately 50 interviews for radio, television and pod-casts. Most recently, Hicks appeared on PBS' NOVA television series to discuss 17th century navigation and surveying methods. He also recently contributed and interview about alchemy for National Public Radio and a pod-cast for New Scientist magazine.

Speaking Topics:

  • Birth of American Science and Technology
  • This Art of Arts: How the Jamestown Ships Navigated to Virginia
  • A Voyage to Virginia, 1611
  • A Global Mystery: Celestial Globes in Alchemical Paintings
  • Colonial Neighborhood Watch
  • The "Jewel of Arts": A Renaissance Laptop - seminar on the astrolabe, an early astronomical navigation tool
  • Looting of the Past: A Simulation of a Criminal Investigation
  • How They Fought: Arms, Armor, and Warfare During the Renaissance
  • Witch Trial!
  • Moll Cutpurse and the Abraham Men: Crime and Justice in the 17th Century England
  • Time Crime: The Theft of History
  • The Muslim World… As Seen by Elizabethans
  • Sundials, Mud and Celestial Fire
  • "Firmness, Commodity and Delight": The Devlopment of Scottish Castles
  • "Sin of All Sorts Swarmeth": Rogues, Vagabonds and the Poor in Elizabethan England
  • "In Wand'ring Mazes Lost": Life and War in Scotland
  • Customized Presentations

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