By Madison Fields

The York community had the opportunity to hear from photographer and professor Father Michael Flecky during the tenth annual Fall Speaker Series for the Clayton Museum of Ancient History at York University, as part of Yorkfest.

Flecky’s presentation, titled “Ancient Stones, New Light: Rome, Christianity, and North Africa,” focused on photographs he took during the 1980s that are now featured in the Clayton Museum of Ancient History on the York University campus.

York University Executive Vice President Jared Stark introduced Flecky and shared his accomplishments as professor emeritus at Creighton University, having served at that institution for 42 years.

During his lecture, Flecky walked the audience through photographs of Roman ruins in North Africa. In 1980 and again in 1983, Flecky was given the opportunity to photograph the region and document what he described as “the story of warfare.” Taking on the assignment meant placing himself in the midst of significant public unrest as he captured the images.

The photographs provide a unique glimpse into places and historical sites that have not changed significantly over the past several decades. Flecky noted that photographs like these may not be possible to capture again because of the large crowds that now visit many of these locations.

Visitors can view a selection of Flecky’s photographs as part of the current temporary exhibit at the Clayton Museum of Ancient History at York University.

In addition to its annual Fall Speaker Series, the Clayton Museum of Ancient History hosts the Ides of March dinner and lecture each spring. For more information about upcoming events, please visit claytonmuseumofancienthistory.org.