New Ways to Present History are Here to Stay

by Charlotte M. Patterson, Education

Restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic meant that changes were in order for the education department at MOA. One of the biggest issues we faced was cancellation of school field trips and group tours. This situation caused the department to develop new strategies for reaching our public. We turned to virtual presentations. Our educator, Lori Meads, successfully took on this gigantic task, increasing our reach to a worldwide audience. We also offered a twist to our Make-and-Take packets, transforming them into Take-and-Make packets. More than 100 children have signed up to automatically register for future packets. Virtual presentations and Takeand-Make packets will continue as added benefits we can offer to the public even after groups return. They will serve those who are unable to attend in person but wish to learn. Some of the Take-and-Make packets to look forward to are Mother’s Day and Father’s Day; Happy Birthday, America; and three Summer Fun activities.

DR. STRIPLING GIVES A VIDEO TOUR OF JOSHUA, JUDGES AND JESUS: AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE

From The Bible Seminary in Katy (Houston), TX, Dr. Scott Stripling, Director of Excavations for the Associates for Biblical Research gives future visitors an episodic tour behind the latest exhibition for the Museum of the Albemarle's YouTube Channel

Easing of restrictions has opened up some inhouse opportunities. One of the first of these to take place was the opening of Joshua, Judges, and Jesus: An Archaeological Journey Through the Bible . In addition, our History for Lunch lecture series will return as in-person programs (with limitations) but will remain as a virtual presentation, too. Upcoming lunchtime programs include It’s the Little Things That Count—Small Finds from Khirbet El-Maqatir , with Frankie Snyder who will be “Zooming” in from Jerusalem on May 19, and Beyond the Midway Lights: 168 Years of State Fair Growth on Wednesday, August 18.

Programs can now be held on the green, as well, so join us on Saturday, May 22, for a drivethru book signing with Vivian Howard and on Saturday, July 17, for Down on the Farm .

Please check our Facebook page for details of these and other programs and join us for entertainment and education.