Cats!

Saturday, July 5, at 1:30 p.m.

The ancient Egyptians were the original cat people. Cats can be found in Egyptian tombs, in ancient art, and even found mummified by the thousands as votive offerings. Cats were revered as protectors of grain from mice, warrior goddesses and protectors of children. Killing a cat, even accidentally, was sometimes a capital offense.

Please join us to learn the secrets of why the ancient Egyptians loved the feline form, how cats influenced the ancient Egyptian spiritual beliefs, and even meet a mummified ancient Egyptian cat up close!

Admission is free with paid entry to the museum.

Participation in this workshop will count towards the Junior Archaeologist Program graduation.

Papyrus Boatmaking

Sunday, July 6, at 1:30 p.m.

Make your own model boat out of papyrus!

Papyrus is so much more than paper. In this hands-on workshop you will learn all about this majestic and very useful river plant.

We will briefly explore the biology, ecology, and history of papyrus and then we will view some of the ancient papyrus artifacts in the Museum’s collection, including an ancient marriage contract. Then you will learn how to make simple papyrus cordage and fishing line, how to craft a model papyrus boat, and we will show you how to make papyrus paper at home on your own!

Admission is free with paid entry to the museum.

Participation in this workshop will count towards the Junior Archaeologist Program graduation.

Rediscovering Cleopatra

Saturday, July 12, at 1:30 p.m.

Travel back in time to the world of Cleopatra to learn some of the many stories of Cleopatra VII, one of the most intriguing women in all of history. We will then work as historians to carefully uncover the many layers of Cleopatra's story, exploring how history is woven from different perspectives.

As we sift through tales from various eras, we'll learn about the art of historiography—how historical narratives are shaped and reshaped over time. Uncover how biases and cultural viewpoints have potentially clouded our perspective of Egypt's last pharaoh. As a team, we will work to evaluate and contrast these diverse accounts, to separate myth from fact and discover the "true" Cleopatra!

Admission is free with paid entry to the museum.

Participation in this workshop will count towards the Junior Archaeologist Program graduation.

Exploring Gravity & Galaxies

Sunday, July 13, at 1:30 p.m.

Fall into the enigmatic force of gravity through a family-friendly interactive galaxy simulator. Discover the fundamentals of space-time and special relativity (for beginners), exploring how celestial bodies move, spin, and dance through the cosmos.

Admission is free with paid entry to the museum.

Participation in this workshop will count towards the Junior Archaeologist Program graduation.

Museum Heroes: Behind-the-Scenes Adventures

Saturday, July 19, at 1:30 p.m.

Have you ever imagined yourself working in a museum? Experience firsthand the diverse roles museum professionals play, including conservation, educational programming, and exhibit curation. Try your hand at crafting your own mini-exhibit and discover the excitement behind museum operations and receive your own museum hero certificate!

Admission is free with paid entry to the museum.

Participation in this workshop will count towards the Junior Archaeologist Program graduation.

Rosicrucian Peace Garden Tour

Sunday, July 20, at 1:30 p.m.

The banks of the Nile provided the ancient Egyptians with fertile soils and fresh water to farm wheat, fruits, and herbs that sustained their civilization for millennia. In celebration of their natural abundance, the ancient Egyptians would build elaborate and beautiful gardens that provided a place for family, leisure, and meditation.

We invite you to tour an authentic reproduction of an 18th Dynasty Peace Garden at Rosicrucian Park. We will explore some of the buildings and their uses, learn about the edible and medicinal plants, and meet our beloved fish.

Admission is free with paid entry to the museum.

Participation in this workshop will count towards the Junior Archaeologist Program graduation.

Nile Navigators: Ancient Mariners

Saturday, July 26, at 1:30 p.m.

Journey through the maritime traditions of ancient Egypt. Enjoy a scholarly exploration of Egyptian shipbuilding, and Nile-centric lifestyle. Afterwards, participate in a scavenger hunt to closely examine our funerary boat models and uncover the lives of Nile mariners.

Admission is free with paid entry to the museum.

Participation in this workshop will count towards the Junior Archaeologist Program graduation.

Perspectives of Pollinators

Sunday, July 27, at 1:30 p.m.

Explore the world of native California pollinators in our newest workshop at Rosicrucian Park! Learn about the crucial roles of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators in our ecosystems and then experience the world from a whole new perspective! This workshop combines education and exploration, allowing participants to gain insight into the lives of these amazing creatures and understand their critical role in our world. Suitable for all ages, this experience will leave you with a newfound appreciation for pollinators and knowledge on how to support them in your yards and gardens. Join us for a journey into the fascinating world of pollinators!

Admission is free with paid entry to the museum.

Participation in this workshop will count towards the Junior Archaeologist Program graduation.