On October 19, 2024, the Archaeological Institute of America-Nashville Society and the Nashville Parthenon are teaming up to join hundreds of archaeological organizations around the world to celebrate International Archaeology Day and the Tennessee STEAM Festival. Stop by activity stations from 9 AM – 12 PM!

What is international archaeology Day at the Parthenon?
International Archaeology Day is a morning full of family-friendly STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities that highlight archaeological work and artifacts to share the legacy of Greek culture to raise awareness of the ancient world. Parthenon visitors at this archaeology fair event will view two special exhibits, Contemporary Kumiko in the East Gallery and The Role of Replica in the West Gallery, explore Level 2’s replica interior of the ancient Parthenon, participate in activity stations, and earn an “Official Archaeologist of the Nashville Parthenon” sticker!

Activities include:
-Ask an Archaeologist, 9 AM – 12 PM: Meet Dr. Kaitlyn Stiles, an archaeologist, human osteologist, and forensic anthropologist who and will answer questions about all things archaeology and archaeological science.
–About Dr. Kaitlyn Stiles: Dr. Stiles is a Senior Archaeologist, Osteologist, and Project Manager for the Environmental Planning and Permitting section of Kleinfelder, Inc, based in California. She has done research and analysis in Greece, Poland, Egypt, and the United States. She has consulted with the Greek Archaeological Service, the Channel Islands National Park, and the Nevada State Museum to identify and assess human skeletal remains. As a forensic anthropologist, she has worked for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, contracted by SNA International. She became a Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Anthropology (D-ABFA) in February 2022. She has active research projects in both bioarchaeology and forensic anthropology on skeletal remains from a modern 20th century cemetery in central Greece. She has also taught classes in Forensic Anthropology and Human Osteology at the University of Nevada, Reno.
-Gold Leafing Demonstration, 9 AM – 12 PM: Meet Micki & Mitch Cavanagh of Reed’s Gold Leaf, the experts who helped guild Athena! They will be demonstrating the gold leafing process LIVE inside the Parthenon in honor of The Society of Gilders’ worldwide gilding symposium. The Society of Gilders is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the education of the gilding arts.
-The Role of a Replica Talk, 10:30 AM: Join a Parthenon staff member for a special tour at 10:30 AM about the making of the exhibition in the West Gallery, The Role of a Replica.
-Polychromy at the Parthenon, 9 AM – 12 PM: Work with archaeologists from AIA-Nashville Society to create colorful masterpieces just like ancient statues and buildings.
-Conservation Station, 9 AM – 12 PM: Work to piece together ceramic fragments just like conservators study how broken fragments join to form a complete artifact. Many of the ceramics come from the Centennial Art Center, which used to be the Centennial Park Pool but now hosts art classes and workshops.
-Experimental Archaeology, 9 AM – 12 PM: Build miniature ancient structures with blocks and assorted materials just as archaeologists learn about the past by testing out ideas through experimentation of architectural steps and processes.
-Research Station, 9 AM – 12 PM: Designated the Quiet Area, this inclusive space offers books and resources on archaeology, ancient Greece, and mythology.
-Exterior Architecture Audio Tour, available 24/7: Free audio tour in English, Spanish, or Arabic!
-Register for a free virtual Symposium with Dr. Stiles, Sunday, October 20, at 10 AM Central!

International Archaeology Day Info:
Never been to International Archaeology Day at the Parthenon before? This list of tips will help you prepare for a fun visit!
-We recommend arriving early to ensure enough time to explore and visit each activity station.
-AIA-Nashville Society members receive free museum admission.
-Metro Nashville Parks & Recreation employees receive free museum admission.
-Discounted admission for mentioning visiting for International Archaeology Day.