UW News

February 2, 2011

Need help identifying your treasures? Burkes Artifact ID Day is Feb.12

A visitor to last year's Artifact ID Day watches as his find is analyzed.

Beachcombers, treasure hunters and intrepid attic cleaners take note, Artifact ID Day, a perennial favorite event at the Burke Museum, will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12. On that afternoon, the museum will give the public the opportunity to have local experts analyze their treasures (although no appraisals will be given).

Did you receive a unique family heirloom this holiday season? Maybe fall cleaning unearthed some interesting find in the basement or garden? The Burkes specialists may be able to figure out exactly what that thing-a-ma-jig is. Burke curators and others affiliated with the museum will be available to identify cultural objects from the Northwest Coast and specimens from throughout the natural world (including bones, fossils or animal teeth). A limit of three items per visitor is requested due to the events popularity.

Artifact ID Day is included in the price of museum admission. Once you clear up the mystery around your object, enjoy some of the Burke Museums exquisite textiles on display in the special exhibit Weaving Heritage: Textile Masterpieces from the Burke Collection.

Learn more about the Burke Museum and Artifact ID Day online.