Visitors Become Archeologists Within Discovery Museum’s Summer Exhibition

BRIDGEPORT — A trip to ancient Africa this summer will be as close as a visit to Bridgeport’s Discovery Museum. On July 6, the museum will open “digNubia,” a hands-on exhibition that transforms visitors into archaeologists exploring ancient Nubia, part of Africa now known as Sudan and southern Egypt. The exhibit will run through September 29.

The exhibit is based on hands-on archaeological activities conducted in a re-creation of an archaeological excavation similar to those currently being conducted in present-day Sudan. Geared toward middle school-aged children and adults, visitors will use archaeological tools and techniques in activities to reconstruct the ancient past and better understand the scientific process of discovery and interpretation.

Hands-on exhibit elements that use math and science concepts include: “Entry Airplane,” where visitors “travel” to ancient Africa by entering a “digNubia” Airways airplane at the exhibit’s entry; “Decode Nubian Names,” where visitors will use a decoder wheel to decode and make rubbings of ancient Nubian names found on excavation walls; and “Unearth Artifacts and Bones,” where visitors will discover pottery shards and bones in the laboratory, and then analyze those pieces.

“digNubia” will also give visitors an inside look at the tools, techniques, and ingenuity that archaeologists and others use to reconstruct the ancient past from the limited clues that are available. “Visitors will come away from the exhibit with an appreciation for using the scientific method to unlock the secrets of societies that have been buried for centuries,” says Discovery Museum president Paul Audley.

“digNubia” was developed by Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC), one of the world’s leading non-profit education and health organizations, with more than 350 projects around the globe. “digNubia” was created with support from National Science Foundation.

Museum admission, which includes a planetarium show, is $7 for adults and $5.50 for children and seniors. Hours are 10 am to 5 pm Tuesday to Saturday, and noon to 5 pm on Sunday.

The Discovery Museum, at 4450 Park Avenue, houses a planetarium, Challenger Learning Center, and offers interactive scientific and technological exhibits, educational programs and special shows. To learn about other museum programs and exhibits, visit www.DiscoveryMuseum.org or call 203-372-3521.