Story telling, writing in hieroglyphics and measuring in cubitsare just some of the fun activities families can participate inthis weekend as they learn about ancient Egypt.
The University's Institute of Egyptian Art and Archeology willsponsor the Family Day Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at TheUniversity of Memphis Art Museum.
"We will have fun, and sneak in a little learning," saidPatricia Podzorski, The U of M's curator of Egyptian Art. "We hopepeople will realize the museum is here."
Family Day was held for the first time last summer and wasfairly successful, Podzorski said. However, this year the event isbeing held during the school year, and organizers hope to see abigger turnout.
"Public outreach is the aim of the Egyptian Institute,"Podzorski said.
Most of the activities are aimed at children ages 6 to 12, butadult couples have come in the past.
"It all depends on how young at heart you are," she said.
Between 100 and 120 people attended the event last year, andmost stayed for an hour or two.
Some of this year's activities include designing a royal crown,telling of ancient Egyptian myths and face painting.
Graduate student Liz Cummins worked at the event last year. Shehelped children make amulets and write their names inhieroglyphics.
"They are really enthusiastic," she said. "The adults jump rightin there with the kids and get just as excited as the kids."
Jokingly, she added, "I wonder if they just bring their kids sothey can come."
The crafts table was located just outside the museum door lastyear, and organizers offered special tours of the Egyptianartifacts collection in the Art Museum.
Cummins said the highlight of the event for the children istouring the museum and getting to see the actual pieces.
"It really makes it real for them," Cummins said. "They willask, 'Is that real?' When you tell them yes, their eyes get reallybig."
The event helps the graduate students put everything back intoperspective.
"A lot of us are into our thesis work," Cummins said. "You writeand write, and then you go into Family Day, and it reminds you whyyou are in Egyptology in the first place."
