A Burke Museum Family Day
Sun., Oct. 26, 2008
10 am – 4 pm

Seattle's only Egyptian mummy, nicknamed "Nellie," will make a rare public appearance at the Burke Museum during the "Mysteries of Ancient Egypt" family event on Sun., Oct. 26.  The mummy has been at the Burke Museum since 1902 and is the remains of a 5 foot tall Egyptian woman who lived nearly 2,000 years ago.

Nellie, a Seattle favorite, will join other objects from the Burke Museum's archaeology collection, including a scarab seal and mummified birds, in a temporary public display of ancient Egyptian archaeological objects. See X-ray images revealing the insides of the mummy!

Burke archaeologists will be on hand to share stories and piece together the mysteries of the afterlife. Guest speaker Dr. Sarah L. Sterling, assistant professor in anthropology at Portland State University, will present several short talks throughout the day about Egyptian funerary practices.

Hands-on family activities will help visitors of all ages discover the ancient world. Learn about mummy preparation by decorating a full-size cartonnage (gesso linen mummy covering).  Translate hieroglyphs, examine a replica of the Rosetta Stone, and make your own mummy bag to take home just in time for Halloween trick-or-treating!

Mysteries of Ancient Egypt is presented by the Archaeology Department of the Burke Museum. This event is free with museum admission, and FREE to members.

Fun and Games! Play an ancient game of Egyptian Senet.