The man who photographed the Shroud of Turin extensively for a research project will share stories and information about the famed artifact at several events in Whatcom County, starting Wednesday, March 6.

Barrie Schwortz was the documenting photographer for the Shroud of Turin Research Project, in which scientists analyzed the artifact for five days in 1978 in Turin and continued their research before releasing a report in 1981.

The shroud is a linen cloth that bears the image of a man who appears to have been crucified, and it's reputed to be the cloth that Jesus Christ was wrapped in after his crucifixion. There is much debate surrounding the origins of the shroud and the image it bears. The shroud research project found no reliable evidence of forgery and described the image as a mystery.

On March 6, Schwortz will speak at 7 p.m. at Assumption Catholic Church, 2116 Cornwall Ave.

On March 7, he will speak at 1 and 7 p.m. at the Mt. Baker Rotary Building at the Northwest Washington Fair and Event Center in Lynden.

His talks are free and open to the public; no tickets are required.

Schwortz plans to speak to students at Assumption Catholic School and Lynden Christian High School during his visit.

Reach ZOE FRALEY at zoe.fraley@bellinghamherald.com or call 756-2803.