The Florida Gulf Coast University library unveils the William R. Maples Collection this week. Titled “Dead Men Do Tell Tales” (the same title as his memoir) it’s the field notes, cases, photographs and personal papers documenting this world renowned forensic anthropologist’s investigations between 1960 and 1997. Maples ran the C. A. Pound Human Identification Centerat the University of Florida in Gainesville.
Some of his most notorious cases included his examination of John Merrick “The Elephant Man”, his investigations of the death of Russia’s last Czar and his family including his daughter Anastasia who Maples’ wife Margaret says he did not believe was ever found, and his investigation of the death of Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. Margaret Maples Gilliland donated the collection to FGCU’s library in honor of FGCU forensic anthropologist Heather Walsh-Haney who was one of his students.
Thanks to popular television shows like “Bones” are you willing to peer into this sometimes gruesome world to learn the truth?
Guests:
Heather Walsh-Haney Ph.D - Associate Professor and Program Leader, Forensic Studies FGCU
Margaret Maples Gilliland – Donor - William R. Maples Collection