DIG
Hyde900, Hyde, Winchester, 26-29 August
http://www.hyde900.org.uk
Hyde900 will once again be putting on their annual community dig on the site of Hyde Abbey, the last known resting place of Alfred the Great. Previous excavations have uncovered the remains of the church and cloisters; this year the team hope to uncover more of the abbey buildings, as well as a continuation of the 12th-century culvert found last year. The dig is open to anyone aged 5 and upwards who can take part in a two-hour session (but please note that children need to be accompanied by a responsible adult). Book early to avoid disappointment.
LECTURE
The Science of Early Farming in Europe, Bournemouth University, 31 October
http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/seventh-pitt-rivers-lecture-the-science-of-early-farming-in-europe-tickets-648866947507
The Seventh Annual Pitt Rivers Lecture is to be given by Amy Bogaard (University of Oxford), who will discuss whether archaeology can reveal the ‘science’ of early farming from the perspective of its practitioners; whether prehistoric understandings of agriculture can inform our view of wider landscapes and monuments; and what principles we can glean from the long-term story of farming across Europe’s varied environments. This free public lecture will be held as a hybrid event: a live presentation at Bournemouth University that will also be available via Zoom. Please register online.
EXHIBITIONS
Beneath Our Feet: archaeology of the Cambridge region, Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Cambridge, Until 14 April 2024
https://maa.cam.ac.uk/whats_on/exhibitions/beneath-our-feet-archaeology-cambridge-region
This new exhibition explores what local archaeological discoveries can tell us about the lives of those who walked the landscape centuries before us. Material on display includes Neolithic axes, Bronze Age textile fibres, medieval grave goods, and more. The exhibition also features recent scientific research, including isotope analysis of the bones and teeth of a 7th-century teenaged girl who was found buried with the gold-and-garnet Trumpington Cross (see p.10). Entry is free.
EVENTS
Celebration of the Centuries, Fort George, Inverness, 12-13 August
http://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/event/?eventId=d26c5237-8fd3-43dc-a4d1-ae550078539e
Fort George is once again set to host ‘Celebration of the Centuries’, Historic Environment Scotland’s largest re-enactment event. Over the weekend, re-enactors will bring the fortress to life with a living timeline depicting more than 2,000 years of Scottish history. Attractions include living history camps portraying Picts and Romans, a 1940s zone featuring a big band to dance to, stunt riders from the TV series Outlander, and much more. Tickets cost £12 for adults, with concession prices and family tickets available. Book online now.
Mudlarking into the Future, Museum of London Docklands, 30 September
http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london-docklands/ whats-on/mudlarking-future?id=333608
Over the past four decades, members of the Society of Thames Mudlarks have discovered and recovered thousands of historically significant artefacts that were buried in the black mud of the River Thames. This panel discussion, featuring members of the society as well as other experts and enthusiasts, will explore the role of mudlarks in uncovering London’s long-forgotten history, and consider their potential impact today and in the future. Tickets cost £10 for adults, with concession prices available, and should be booked in advance.
VIRTUAL VISITS
Museum With No Frontiers, http://www.museumwnf.org
Discover artefacts and artworks from museums, sites, and monuments around the world through exhibitions in the MWNF’s Virtual Museum, as well as digital galleries, collections, and other resources.
The Frick Pittsburgh, USA, http://www.thefrickpittsburgh.org/virtual
Enjoy a variety of online resources from the Frick Pittsburgh, from curator talks about topics related to the collections to virtual exhibitions, tours of the galleries, access to the digital collection, and more.
Virtual Angkor, Cambodia, http://www.virtualangkor.com
See Angkor Wat as it may have looked at its height in the 13th century, and find out more about the Cambodian city with immersive virtual-reality elements, 360° videos, and other resources from the Virtual Angkor project.
Tomb of Djehuty, Egypt, https://artsandculture.google.com/story/dgXhH3qNIGFtdQ
Explore the tomb of Djehuty, an official under Thutmose III in ancient Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, with this Google Arts & Culture page, which explores the tomb’s paintings, layout, and restoration.
EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Museum of Stone Tools, https://stonetoolsmuseum.com
Discover 3D models of stone tools from different cultures, places, and time periods, and find out more about their manufacture with this resource created by the University of New England, Australia.
Antigone, http://www.antigonejournal.com
Take advantage of a wealth of online articles, news stories, and resources about the ancient Greek and Roman worlds, available on Antigone, an open online forum seeking to make Classics accessible to all.
Women in Archaeology, http://www.womeninarchaeology.com
Listen to stories and discussions about women’s contributions to archaeology with this podcast about, for, and by women in the field, with episodes featuring a wide range of topics and guests.
Museum of the Home TikTok, http://www.tiktok.com/@museumofthehome
Find out more about the lives of people in the past with short videos from the Museum of the Home in London, going behind the scenes with curators and conservators, and exploring highlights from the museum’s collections.
FAMILY FUN
The Vikings, http://www.channel5.com/show/the-vikings
Discover the story of the Viking invasion of England with this new three-part series presented by Raksha Dave and Xand van Tulleken, which explores the historic conquest in detail, from preparation to final showdown.
The Great British Dig, http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-great-british-dig- history-in-your-garden
The Great British Dig returns for a fourth season of excavating back gardens around Britain, this time exploring the site of a medieval knight’s castle, a lost Georgian mansion, a newly discovered Roman fort, and more.
Jay Blades’ East End Through Time, http://www.channel5.com/show/jay-blades-east-end-through-time
Explore the history of London’s East End, from the site of Shakespeare’s theatre to Victorian engineering beneath the Thames and the impact of the Blitz.
Return of the Cat Mummy, https://artsandculture.google.com/experiment/pgG43DMmT4maVg?cp=1
Try your hand at this new game from Google Arts & Culture, in which players return to life as a cat mummy to gather the pharaoh’s missing treasures and help him make his journey to the afterlife.
Secrets of Stonehenge, http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/members-area/kids/ prehistoric-england/secrets-of-stonehenge
Enthuse children about one of the world’s most famous ancient sites with these Stonehenge-related resources, quizzes, and ideas for at-home activities from English Heritage.
