International Archaeology Day at the Parthenon
Meet Dr. Ioulia Tzonou, a Greek archaeologist living and working at Ancient Corinth, Greece.
On October 21, 2023, 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.
Stop by activity stations from 9 AM - 12 PM!
What is international archaeology Day at the Parthenon?
International Archaeology Day is a morning full of family-friendly STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities that highlight archaeological work and artifacts to share the legacy of Greek culture to raise awareness of the ancient world.
Museum visitors at this archaeology fair event will view two special exhibits, Fountain in the East Gallery and The Role of Replica in the West Gallery, explore Level 2’s replica interior of the ancient Parthenon, participate in activity stations, and earn an “Official Archaeologist of the Nashville Parthenon” sticker!
Activities include:
Ask an Archaeologist, 9 AM - 12 PM: Meet Dr. Ioulia Tzonou, a Greek archaeologist visiting from Corinth Excavations in Ancient Corinth, Greece! Dr. Tzonou studies ancient Greece and will answer questions about all things archaeology.
About Dr. Ioulia Tzonou: Dr. Tzonou is the Associate Director of Corinth Excavations at the American School of Classical Studies at Athens. She curates the substantial collection of artifacts at the Museum of Ancient Corinth, including 190,000 physical objects and half a million digital records. A native of Siatista in Western Macedonia, Dr. Tzonou graduated from the University of Athens and earned an MA and Ph.D. from the University of Cincinnati. She has excavated sites ranging from Neolithic to Modern periods in France, Athens, the Argolid, Macedonia, and Corinth.
Gold Leafing Demonstration, 9 AM - 12 PM: Meet Micki & Mitch Cavanagh of Reed’s Gold Leaf, the experts who helped guild Athena! They will be demonstrating the gold leafing process LIVE inside the Parthenon in honor of The Society of Gilders’ worldwide gilding symposium. The Society of Gilders is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the education of the gilding arts.
The Role of a Replica Talk, 10:30 AM: Join a Parthenon staff member for a special tour at 10:30 AM about the making of the exhibition in the West Gallery, The Role of a Replica.
Polychromy at the Parthenon, 9 AM - 12 PM: Work with archaeologists from AIA-Nashville Society to create colorful masterpieces just like ancient statues and buildings.
Conservation Station, 9 AM - 12 PM: Work to piece together ceramic fragments just like conservators study how broken fragments join to form a complete artifact. Many of the ceramics come from the Centennial Art Center, which used to be the Centennial Park Pool but now hosts art classes and workshops.
Experimental Archaeology, 9 AM - 12 PM: 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.
Research Station, 9 AM - 12 PM: Designated the Quiet Area, this inclusive space offers books and resources on archaeology, ancient Greece, and mythology.
Exterior Architecture Audio Tour, available 24/7: Free audio tour in English, Spanish, or Arabic!
international archaeology day HELPFUL INFORMATION:
Never been to International Archaeology Day at the Parthenon before? This list of tips will help you prepare for a fun visit!
We recommend arriving early to ensure enough time to explore and visit each activity station.
AIA-Nashville Society members receive free museum admission.
Metro Nashville Parks & Recreation employees 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
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.