Program: Egyptian Mummies in 19th Century America

Thursday October 28, 2010 5:30 pm

Curiosities, Commodities and

Cultural Connections:
Egyptian
Mummies in 19th Century America

Egyptian mummies were not always the well revered objects they are today in most museums. In fact, they were often pretty shabbily treated during the 1800's.

This lecture will cover Egyptian mummies in 19th century America--how they got here, and what happened to them after they were here. Some subjects in the talk will be mummy unwrappings, exhibiting mummies in various venues, the use of mummy linen to make paper, and the extraordinary story of the mummies from which the Mormon prophet Joseph Smith obtained the papyrus from which he translated the Book of Abraham.

Sign up by calling the library at 978-249-9515.



What people are saying about this program:

"Last night I had the privilege of attending a talk and 'illustrated
program' entitled "Mummies in 19th century America" by S.J. Wolfe, the
Senior Cataloger and Serials Specialist at the American Antiquarian
Society . . .Talk about fascinating! I highly recommend having her give a
presentation at your Library or Historical Society."
(Barbara Stewart, Du Bois Library, University of Massachusetts Amherst)
 
Check out her webpage at:
http://home.earthlink.net/~perseshen/