The Deep Dig

The Science and Art of Conserving Egypt's Ancient Wonders

Live Online

Tuesdays, Nov. 5 - 26 2024, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm ET

$175 General / $425 Series Subscription| $125 Member / $275 Series Subscription

Cultivate your curiosity about ancient history, exciting excavations, and cultural heritage connected to the Penn Museum's unparalleled collection and research. You’ll have access to digital readings, videos, and online archival research. Recordings of the live class will be available if you miss a session. No archaeology or anthropology background required; just bring your love for lifelong learning!

The Penn Museum's upcoming Ancient Egypt and Nubia Galleries will showcase an extensive and impressive collection of artifacts. This course will deepen your understanding of the conservation challenges and techniques used to preserve these invaluable pieces of history. Through a series of expert-led lectures, we will explore various aspects of artifact conservation—from the preservation of materials to the reconstruction of monumental architecture. You’ll enjoy a rare glimpse into the meticulous work of maintaining and restoring these ancient treasures for future generations.

Week 1: Introduction to the Preservation and Conservation of Ancient Egyptian Artifacts

Conservator Molly Gleeson shares how ancient Egyptian artifacts have endured through time, giving insights into ancient repair techniques, as well as modern collaborative efforts with Egyptian colleagues. We’ll cover the life cycle of artifacts, fieldwork experiences, and the history of conservation treatments.

Week 2: Preservation of Organic Materials

Delve into the preservation of organic materials, such as wood, which have survived remarkably well in Egypt's arid climate. Using case studies such as wooden tomb models and the coffin of Ahanakt from the Middle Kingdom, we’ll study the challenges of conserving organic materials once they are in museum environments from conservator Michaela Paulson. She’ll emphasize the methods and protocols essential for the long-term care of these fragile items.

Week 3: Reconstructing Monumental Architecture

The focus will shift to the reconstruction of monumental stone architecture within the Penn Museum's galleries. Conservator Julia Commander will cover the stabilization and assembly of large sculptures and architectural fragments from the palace of Pharaoh Merenptah. Explore the latest research and techniques in stone conservation, and see how museum practices in architectural preservation have evolved.

Week 4: Preservation and Science of Ancient Color

Marvel in the vibrant colors that characterize ancient Egyptian artifacts with conservator Tessa de Alarcon. Learn about the identification and preservation of paints and pigments, including how conservators address changes over time and determine original colors. We’ll also cover the treatments and approaches used to care for polychrome surfaces.

Speakers

Molly Gleeson

Head Conservator Molly Gleeson has a passion for public outreach, community engagement, and connecting people with cultural heritage. With more than 20 years of experience in the field, Molly has worked in museums and archaeological sites in the United States, Chile, Easter Island, and Egypt. She completed her M.A. at the UCLA/Getty Conservation Program and is a Professional Associate of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC).

Michaela Paulson

Michaela Paulson (she/her) is a Project Conservator working on the treatment and preservation of monumental stone architectural elements and a large wooden coffin for the reinstallation of the Ancient Egypt and Nubia Galleries. Michaela earned her M.A. from the Interdisciplinary Program at UCLA/Getty Conservation Institute in the Conservation of Cultural Heritage. Her background includes years spent working with Indigenous communities on belongings made of wood, leather, and other organic materials, as well as intensive research on the care of natural history specimens, specifically birds.

Julia Commander

Julia Commander (she/her), Senior Project Conservator, is currently focusing on monumental stone architecture for the reinstallation of the Ancient Egypt and Nubia Galleries. Julia earned her M.S. from the Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation. Her experience at the American Museum of Natural History and the Gordion excavations in Turkey supported an interest in archaeological materials, which was further developed through post-graduate training at the J. Paul Getty Museum Antiquities Department and a research fellowship at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Tessa de Alarcon

Tessa de Alarcon (she/her), Project Conservator, is currently part of the team working on the Ancient Egypt and Nubia Gallery renovations. She received her M.A. from the UCLA/Getty Program in the Conservation of Archaeological and Ethnographic Materials. She has done fieldwork in Turkey, Guatemala, and Azerbaijan, and has taught workshops in Guatemala on documentation and archaeological conservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a background in archaeology or anthropology to participate?

No prior background is required. These courses are designed for anyone with an interest in ancient history and a passion for lifelong learning.

How much does it cost to enroll?

The general cost for a Deep Dig course is $175, while members of the Penn Museum can enroll for $125.

Is there a discount?

Registration is discounted for Penn Museum Members. We also offer a 3-course subscription for a discounted price.

Are scholarships available?

We offer scholarship opportunities to full-time students and full-time teachers with valid school ID, as well as for those who demonstrate financial need. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request a scholarship application.