On October 16, 2021, 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.

From 9 AM – 12 PM, a variety of socially distanced activity stations will be spread out across the second level of the Parthenon. Family-friendly STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities will highlight archaeological work and artifacts, and share the legacy of Greek culture to raise awareness of the ancient world. Museum visitors at this archaeology fair event will view The Antikythera Mechanism exhibition, explore the replica interior of the ancient Parthenon, participate in activity stations, and earn an “Official Archaeologist of the Nashville Parthenon” sticker! Tabletop activity stations, each equipped with 6ft social distance spacing, hand sanitizer, and sanitizing wipes, include:

Olive Oil Painting with Kidsville
–Join Kidsville to learn about mythology stories as seen in Parthenon sculptures, and use disposable materials to create your own take-home olive oil painting.

All About Antikythera
–Gear up for some fun and find out how scholars have studied the world’s oldest computer, the Antikythera mechanism, since its discovery in the early 1900s.

Ask an Expert
–AIA Nashville Society officers will answer questions about all things archaeology and the ancient world!

Research Station
–Designated the Quiet Area, this inclusive space offers books and resources on archaeology, ancient Greece, and mythology.

Experimental Archaeology
–Visitors 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.

Please note: all visitors are required to wear face coverings inside the Nashville Parthenon. We recommend arriving early to ensure enough time to explore and visit each activity station.
Cost:

● AIA Nashville Society members receive free museum admission.
● Discounted admission for mentioning visiting for International Archaeology Day.

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

About International Archaeology Day

Held on the third Saturday, but fêted throughout the month of October, 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.