Archaeology Weekend Wrap Up!
“I’d like to be an archaeologist!”, said Sophie while @ROMtoronto loving the @ROMKids archaeology weekend! #in
— Victoria Littler (@VLittler)April 15, 2012
So we had a BLAST! this Archaeology Weekend! It was great to seeing so many people come out! We all had the opportunity to interact with the archaeologists and curators who find and put on display the artifacts and specimens we all love so much. Let’s take a look back at the awesomeness.
The man behind the @ROMToronto Terracotta Warriors Exhibit, Chen Shen, spent the entire weekend on the floor talking to the public about the museum’s collections, his research, and the dreams of future archaeologists.
One of the highlights of the weekend, was our Meet the Archeologist station. Each hour we had a different archaeologist talk about their work and research, and answer any and all questions. Here, Clemens Reichel, talks one on one with a boy about his work in Mesopotamian Archaeology and his favourite Indiana Jones moments.
#JustDidTheMath, OVER 40 archaeologists are coming in over the next 2 days for Archaeology Weekend! rom.on.ca/programs/rom_k… #NowBackToBed
— Kiron Mukherjee (@kironcmukherjee)April 14, 2012
We also explored “experimental archaeology” this weekend, where Viking reenactors came in to show off how vikings would have lived. Here, a family explores and uses a loom. Elsewhere, our Vikings walked around the museum, engaging the public, showing off viking dress, life and other awesome things.
The archaeology dig was a hit once again. Kids had the opportunity to dig up #ROMMaya inspired artifacts, and talk to our staff about what they found. Then they could describe their findings on a dig sheet, like archaeologists use in real life. Justin Jennings, the #ROMMaya curator, even spent some time at the dig to talk to the kids about their awesome work.
Just beside the dig we set up a metal working station, where everyone had the opportunity to see how swords, coins and all things metal were created in the past.
One of my favourite things was seeing Dan Rahimi, @ROMToronto Vice President of Gallery Development, and archaeologist in his own right, on the floor. The weekend itself offered unparalleled access to ROM staff, and an opportunity for all to interact with their #museumheroes.
Overall we had an awesome time. It’s events like this, I think, that really speak to the public. People want to meet the people behind their favourite galleries, they want to know their #museumheroes. We’re thrilled that we are able to provide this type of opportunity.
Big ups to Parks Canada, Arts for Children and Youth, the Vikings and our awesome volunteers and staff who came out for the weekend!
THANK YOU EVERYONE! for coming out to Archaeology Weekend @ROMToronto! We had a ton of fun exploring archaeology with you!
— ROMKids/Kiron (@ROMKids)April 15, 2012
Photos by Gabriel Broderick, digital edits by Kiron. Gabriel is a @ROMKids assistant and is currently wrapping up grade 12. He’s a sweet talking, future archaeologist, who is also awesome.
Our next Family Fun Weekend is on April 28/29 and is on DINOSAURS!