Parthenon: International Archaeology Day

Join us for a morning full of family-friendly STEAM activities that teach about the wonders of archaeology!
About this Event

Welcome to Parthenon: International Archaeology Day!

Join us for a morning filled with exciting activities at The Parthenon. The Archaeological Institute of America-Nashville Society and the Nashville Parthenon will help you dive into the world of archaeology with hands-on activities, gold leafing demonstrations, and more. Meet Dr. Rossana Valente, an archaeologist whose research focuses on households and the technological, social, and cultural practices of ancient Greece. Whether you're a history buff or just curious about the past, this event is perfect for all ages!

What is International Archaeology Day at the Parthenon?

International Archaeology Day is a morning full of family-friendly STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities that highlight archaeological work and artifacts to share the legacy of Greek culture to raise awareness of the ancient world.

RSVP in advance for FREE museum admission, or mention visiting for International Archaeology Day at the door for discounted admission.

The Archaeological Institute of America-Nashville Society and the Nashville Parthenon are teaming up to join hundreds of archaeological organizations around the world to celebrate International Archaeology Day and the Tennessee STEAM Festival.

About Dr. Rossana Valente:

Dr. Rossana Valente is a Byzantine archaeologist whose research focuses on households and the technological, social, and cultural practices of medieval societies, with particular attention to material culture. She specializes in the study of ceramics and other archaeological artefacts to explore production, economic patterns, and connectivity across the Byzantine Mediterranean.

About International Archaeology Day

International Archaeology Day is a celebration of archaeology and the thrill of discovery. The Archaeological Institute of America and collaborating archaeological organizations across the United States, Canada, and abroad present archaeological programs and activities for people of all ages and interests. Whether it is a family-friendly archaeology fair, a guided tour of a local archaeological site, a simulated dig, a lecture or classroom visit from an archaeologist, interactive, hands-on International Archaeology Day programs provide the chance to indulge your inner Indiana Jones and be an archaeologist for the day.

For more information about International Archaeology Day, visit http://www.archaeologyday.org.

Agenda

🕑: 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Ask an Archaeologist
Host: Dr. Rossana Valente

Info: Meet Dr. Rossana Valente, an archaeologist who and will answer questions about all things archaeology and ancient Greece. She specializes in the study of ceramics and other archaeological artefacts to explore how connected the people across the Byzantine Mediterranean were.

🕑: 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Gold Leafing Demonstration

Info: Meet Micki & Mitch Cavanah of Reed’s Gold Leaf, the experts who helped gild Athena! They will be demonstrating the gold leafing process LIVE inside the Parthenon in honor of The Society of Gilders’ worldwide gilding symposium. The Society of Gilders is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the education of the gilding arts.

🕑: 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Conservation Station

Info: Work to piece together ceramic fragments just like conservators study how broken fragments join to form a complete artifact. Many of the ceramics come from the Centennial Art Center, which used to be the Centennial Park Pool but now hosts art classes and workshops.

🕑: 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Urban Archaeology
Host: Dr. Adam Fracchia

Info: Did you know that you can volunteer on digs and learn about archaeology in Nashville? Talk with Dr. Adam Fracchia of the Metro Historic Commission about Nashville’s public archaeology program.  Dr. Fracchia preserves archaeological sites in the city with the help of volunteers from our community. 

🕑: 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Mosaic Making

Info: Ancient Greece was a vibrant and colorful place!  Ancient Greek buildings, sculptures and art were decorated in many colors (polychromy).  Make your own colorful mosaic!

🕑: 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Olive Oil Painting

Info: Greek myths tell stories, and they are all around us in the Parthenon.  Make art and tell stories of your own using olive oil and oil pastels.