International Archaeology Day, celebrated annually on the third Saturday of October, provides a unique opportunity to explore the captivating world of archaeology by engaging with objects from sites around the world and close to home. International Archaeology Day encourages archaeologists, enthusiasts, and curious minds to come together and celebrate the invaluable contributions of archaeological research to our understanding of the human past.
This year, Cornell University celebrates International Archaeology Day on October 21, with several exciting events on campus and in Ithaca, alongside additional events taking place at the Corning Museum of Glass:
- Join the Johnson Museum of Art in examining the extraordinary archaeological remains in their permanent collection (October 21: 12:00-2:00 p.m.).
- Visit the Anthropology Collections in historic McGraw Hall (Room 150) and experience a close encounter with artifacts from Paleolithic stone tools to the Egyptian mummy of Penpi (October 21: 12:00-2:00 p.m.).
- Join archaeologists from Cornell’s Institute of Archaeology and Material Studies at the St. James AME Zion Church (116 Cleveland Ave) and help unearth the church’s role on the Underground Railroad (October 21: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.).
- Immerse yourself in the archaeological excavation of an ancient glass workshop and explore the process of archaeology from the field site to the lab at the Corning Museum of Glass (October 21-22).
International Archaeology Day, initiated by the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) in 2011, is dedicated to promoting archaeology's role in preserving and understanding the human past. This annual event aims to provide communities with opportunities to engage with archaeological research and materials. International Archaeology Day is an invitation to explore the mysteries of the past and foster a closer connection between the past and the present.
Please mark your calendars for this fascinating day and join the global community in unearthing the wonders of our shared human heritage!
