Programs
Commonwealth Lecture Program
The Commonwealth Lecture Program's mission is to make the resources of the Museum available throughout the public library system of the State of Pennsylvania. Below is a list of available topics. Please contact Prema Deshmukh at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (215) 898-4065 to book a lecture.
Asia
The Magic of Jade -- East and West
Jade has been cherished and traded across long distances from prehistoric times to the present, not only in China, but also by the Maya in Central America and the aboriginal Maori people of New Zealand. Legends and lore connected with this beautiful stone will be presented, slides of archaeological and more recent jade artifacts will be shown, and a few examples will be available for handling--because part of the specialness of jade is in its feel as well as its visual beauty. Ms. Jean Adelman
Central and South America
Portrait of the Ancient Maya
The ancient Maya, whose civilization flourished in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize over a thousand years ago, have long been wrapped in an air of mystery. Difficult terrain, a puzzling writing system, and a lack of historical record have all hampered our understanding of these rainforest dwellers. In the past four decades, however, archaeologists have made dramatic progress in understanding the nature of Maya religion and world view, the writing system of Mayan inscriptions, and Maya dynastic and military history. This illustrated lecture discusses the Maya in light of these key discoveries and the fresh understanding of ancient Maya life—both elite and ordinary—that they provide. Elin Danien
2012: End of the World, or Just a Blip in Time?
For the past few years there has been a growing belief that the Maya calendar predicts the world will come to an end in the year 2012. Mayanist Elin Danien will illustrate how this belief spread and what the Maya calendar actually says. Time will be allowed for questions from the audience. Dr. Elin Danien
The Aztecs on the Eve of Conquest
In less than 200 years, the Aztecs rose from impoverished nomads to wealthy rulers who controlled all Mexico and drew tribute from the far reaches of Mesoamerica. Well known for their bloody rituals and skill at war, the Aztecs had other qualities that have fascinated people for almost five hundred years. This illustrated talk includes some of the legends and the history of the Aztecs, their philosophy, religion, and the way they saw the world. Translations of Aztec poetry and prose are used to reveal these ancient, complex people-in their own words. Elin Danien
Near East
Sex, Lies and Omens
From ancient times to the present, Babylon has been associated with wanton sexuality. In the 19th century the very name Babylon was associated with "unnatural vice of every sort" and "sexual excess." Today the name of this ancient city can be found gracing lurid paperbacks, escort services, and adult book stores. The talk will trace the
history of this long standing belief and will use newly recovered sources to examine its merit. Ms. Ann Guinan
Human Origins
The Legacy of the Wisdom Tooth
"So you have to have that wisdom tooth pulled; you need braces; you need to have a bite plate made; looks like a root canal"; these are familiar, frightening phrases heard many times in your life. Why were our ancestors efficient eating machines but modern humans are plagued by dental problems? The evolutionary history of human dentition affords insights into these problems. Explore how big brains and accompanying complex behaviors, like cooking and other food-preparation techniques, have ultimately affected our teeth and our whole chewing apparatus. Dr. Janet Monge
Africa
The History and Mystery of Belly Dance
This general style of female solo interpretive dance is known and appreciated all over the Arab world including Northern Africa. There is no formal choreography but instead a variety of characteristic movements with which to interpret the music and show mastery of the rhythm. In the villages of northern Africa, most women dance as a social activity, at weddings for example, in all-female groups. The character of this sensual dance style is different in the big cities; particularly in Egypt where the dance has reached its most highly developed form. Top dancers achieve the status of movie stars because of the prominence of the entertainment industry. Through discussion, slides and demonstration, Ms. Siegel, as "Habiba" will trace the long history of this dance. Attend this fascinating lecture and find out for yourself the skills needed for authentic belly dance. Ms. Barbara Siegel
Children's Programs
Blue Deer Storytelling: Magical Tales From Around the WorldFolktales and legends reach into the heart of the matter -- sometimes in humorous ways, sometimes more seriously. Entertaining and educational programs for children and adults built around themes of self-confidence and respect for others, respect for the earth and its creatures, as well as porquoi stories from many cultures and traditions. Michele also incorporates background information and cultural objects into the tellings so as to help the audience become more comfortable with cultures not their own. Michele Belluomini
Marking Boundaries in Ancient Ireland: An Interactive Program on Heritage and Identity
For more than five thousand years people have lived and worshipped in the valley of Glencolumbkille, in County Donegal. Markers on the landscape include iron-age ring-forts, standing stones, and holy wells, representing real and imagined boundaries. In this program we will view images from the pilgrimage site at Glencolumbkille, comparing the ways people marked that landscape to activities in everyday life today in Pennsylvania. Then children will make their own "boundary markers" - a bookmark "or door-knob hanger, which they can decorate with a choice of Celtic designs such as those on the stones at Glencolumbkille. (Appropriate for children in 3rd through 6th grades.) Dori Panzer
Egypt
CSI: Ancient Egypt, Forensic Anthropology 101
In an effort to learn more about the physical aspects of humankind, both past and present, anthropologists developed methods and techniques to evaluate human skeletal remains, techniques that apply in modern forensic (criminal) investigations. Using cases from my own research, this lecture introduces the audience to those scientific methods and techniques through digital images of actual human bones from ancient Egypt, some as old as the pyramids themselves. Participants will learn basic steps in determining a female from a male, younger from older, and what the bones can tell us about the person. A highlight of the lecture is a re-examination of a possible 3,300 year-old murder case. Appropriate for older middle school students and above, and for all adults. Dr. Stephen Phillips
The Classical World
Greek Athletics and the Olympic Games
Athletics played an important role in the life of every Greek male. Each city-state had a gymnasium and stadium, and every boy dreamed of one day participating in the Panhellenic games. To win at the games was one of the highest honors attainable, reflecting glory not only on the winner, but on his family and city as well. This illustrated lecture takes a look at Greek Athletic Games, focusing on the stadiums, athletic facilities and artifacts from Olympia and the other three Panhellenic sanctuaries. Mr. John Kuhne
Europe
The Origins of the Vampire
Stories of blood-drinking demons can be found all over the world, but the vampire legend that was the source of Dracula, Nosferatu, and the vampires in True Blood originated primarily in 17th and 18th century eastern Europe-Hungary, Poland, and yes, Romania. Why and how did the creatures from the first "vampire panic" originate and how did they differ from our modern perceptions of the vampire? This lecture examines the possibility that the vampire legend in southeastern Europe arose from the physiological changes undergone by a dead body as it decomposes, and traces the anthropological roots of the legend in later centuries. Elizabeth Hamilton
Heritage and Identity in Ireland: Landscape that Links the Present with the Past
For more than five thousand years people have lived and worshipped in the valley of Glencolumbkille, in County Donegal. Twenty-first century pilgrims wend their way through village streets and past modern farms to halt at ancient monuments that now are sacred to Saint Colmcille (also known as Saint Columba). This talk will show how the dynamic landscape of Glencolumbkille and the continuing use of the pilgrimage site keeps the traditional legends alive and nourishes the collective memory of the local residents.
Dori Panzer
North American Historical Archaeology
The Seminoles: History and Archaeology of an Unconquered People
The Seminole Indians have their origins in the Southeastern United States, but are currently spread out over several geographic regions. Descendants of many Native American tribes, including the Hitchiti, the Oconee, the Upper and Lower Creeks, the Yuchi, and the Yamasee, the Seminoles have a legacy of being fighters. Information concerning the rich history of the Seminole Indians will bring to light how factions of this tribe have been formed in Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, and Mexico. This lecture will also explore the history of the Black Seminoles and the Miccosukee Seminole Nation. The current status of the Seminole Indians and the numerous factions laying claim to the title of the Seminole Indians will be discussed. Finally, how we know what we do about the Seminole Indians will be touched upon, using the example of current archaeological excavations in Florida. Kristen Fellows
Native Americans
Indian Art: Ancient Markers and Modern MarketsLong before Europeans ever came into our world, the Original People made wonderful tools with elaborate decorations to please the eye and to give life to the objects they used every day. These decorations also served as markers for group identity. Ancient trade between the many cultures allowed material and finished goods to travel enormous distances long before the White people crossed the sea. The changes in the materials traded and the native economies after 1500 are the subject of this slide illustrated lecture. Dr. Marshall Becker
