A group of Newman University history majors will present the results of original research they conducted on ancient artifacts at 9 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 20 at the Museum of World Treasures, 835 E. 1st St. in Wichita’s Old Town. The event is open to the public.
The students are members of the Fall 2014 Historical Method Course taught by Professor of Ancient History Cheryl Golden, Ph.D. Golden was contacted earlier this fall by Tim Howard, Curator of Exhibits and Research at the museum, who invited Golden to select students to perform research on about 20 ancient vases in the museum’s permanent collection.
Working under the direction of Howard, the 10 students received “hands-on” experience in historical research on the vases, which came from the Apulia region of ancient Italy. The region, which includes the heel and back side of Italy’s “boot,” was mostly inhabited by Greeks in ancient times, who developed the vases and their decorative style several centuries before Christ.
“The students got to touch and pick up the vases during their research – things people just don’t get to do,” said Golden. “And, by all accounts, they conducted themselves in a very professional manner and did excellent research. I’m really proud of them.”
Among other things, the students tried to determine exactly where the Greco-Roman vases came from, the identity of the artists, what use the vases served in the home and any economic impact they might have had on the region. Golden said that in addition to other activity, the students contacted experts at other universities during their research, making contacts that may help the students later in their professional careers.
The Nov. 20 presentation will take place as part of the museum’s monthly “Coffee with the Curator” speaker series. The museum, which normally opens at 10 a.m., will be open for the 9 a.m. presentation.
“We invite the Newman community to attend and see what these students found in their research,” Golden said.
The students who did the research are:
Rebekah Bergkamp
Marisa Delgado
Will Durant
Derek Haas
Angela McDaneld
Kathryn Messenger*
Mary O’Neal*
Emily Simon
Diana Stanley
Jill Stevenson*
