International Archaeology Day

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 for this event. You can also mention visiting for International Archaeology Day the day of for discounted admission.

Museum visitors at this archaeology fair event will view the special exhibit, Goddess In Progress in the East Gallery, explore Level 2’s replica interior of the ancient Parthenon, participate in activity stations, and earn an “Official Archaeologist of the Nashville Parthenon” sticker!

Activities include:Ask an Archaeologist, 9 AM - 12 PM: Meet Dr. Rossana Valente, an archaeologist who will answer questions about all things archaeology and ancient Greece.

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.

Urban Archaeology, 9 AM - 12 PM: Did you know that you can volunteer on digs and learn about archaeology in Nashville? Meet Metro Historical Commission Archaeologist, Dr. Adam Fracchia, to hear more about Nashville’s public archaeology program preserving archaeological sites in the city with the help of community volunteers.

Gold Leafing Demonstration, 9 AM - 12 PM: Meet Micki & Mitch Cavanah of Reed’s Gold Leaf, the experts who helped gild Athena! They will be demonstrating the gold leafing process.

Olive Oil Painting, 9 AM - 12 PM: Greek myths tell stories, and they are all around us in the Parthenon. Join Kidsville staff to make art and tell stories of your own using olive oil and oil pastels.

Mosaic Station, 9 AM - 12 PM: Ancient Greece was a vibrant and colorful place! Make your own colorful mosaic inspired by ancient Greek buildings, sculptures, and art.

Conservation Station, 9 AM - 12 PM: 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.

Experimental Archaeology, 9 AM - 12 PM: Build miniature ancient structures with blocks and assorted materials just as archaeologists learn about the past by testing out ideas through experimentation of architectural steps and processes.

Research Station, 9 AM - 12 PM: Designated the Quiet Area, this inclusive space offers books and resources on archaeology, ancient Greece, and mythology.

Exterior Architecture Audio Tour, available 24/7:Free audio tour in English, Spanish, or Arabic!

International Archaeology Day helpful information:

Never been to International Archaeology Day at the Parthenon before? This list of tips will help you prepare for a fun visit!

We recommend arriving early to ensure enough time to explore and visit each activity station.

AIA-Nashville Society members receive free museum admission.

Metro Nashville Parks & Recreation employees receive free museum admission.

RSVP in advance for free museum admission, or mention visiting for International Archaeology Day the day of for discounted admission.

Sponsored by the Archaeological Institute of America-Nashville Society, Centennial Park Conservancy, and Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation.

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.

About Tennessee STEAM Festival: Founded by the Discovery Center, the Tennessee STEAM Festival is a 10-day statewide celebration designed to build interest and excitement in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics).

For more information about the Tennessee STEAM Festival, visit www.tnsteam.org.