October 2008

Over 500 students and educators witnessed the unveiling of Seattle's one and only mummy, "Nellie", as a part of the temporary exhibit, Mysteries of Ancient Egypt. Burke educators led a program specifically designed for middle school students studying Ancient Egypt.

The program taught techniques for learning about past cultures by observing and interpreting artifacts left behind. Students had many questions for Burke educators and "Nellie" herself, some of which we were able to answer and some of which are still a mystery. Students had an opportunity to take part in a lively discussion about modern museums and their role in telling the stories of the past. Some students who participated in the program had never been to a museum before, let alone seen Ancient Egyptian artifacts, and they were thrilled to have an opportunity like this here in Seattle.