The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis’ New National Geographic Treasures of the Earth is Filled with Family Fun and Education

INDIANAPOLIS, June 10, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Experience the thrill and
adventure of archaeology at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis’ newest
permanent exhibit, National Geographic Treasures of the Earth.The largest
children’s museum in the world is much more than a tourist attraction during
summer vacations; it provides the perfect opportunity to share experiences that
have the power to transform lives year-round.

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The new $4.3 million, 7,400 square-foot exhibit features three of the most
fascinating archaeological discoveries in the world. The exhibit opens June 11,
2011. Visitors will explore the science of archaeology, the history and arts of
ancient Egypt and China and the seafaring culture of what historians call “The
Golden Age of Piracy” – all in a very fun, hands-on way!

“Our commitment to ‘extraordinary, always’ means we continue to go to great
lengths to develop the most authentic and extraordinary experiences possible
utilizing strategic global partnerships that have been years in the making,”
said Dr. Jeffrey H. Patchen, president and CEO, The Children’s Museum of
Indianapolis. “We believe our passion for connecting children and families with
real experiences, real artifacts, and real experts contributes to our stature as
the world’s biggest and best children’s museum,” he said.

With assistance from National Geographic Society experts, teams of museum staff
members explored the tomb of ancient Egyptian pharaoh Seti I with famed
Egyptologist Dr. Zahi Hawass. It is the longest, deepest and most ornate in the
famed Valley of the Kings. “One of the best moments in the lifetime of an
archaeologist is to reveal the answer to a mystery,” said Zahi Hawass, famous
Egyptian archaeologist. “I am proud to have revealed the mystery of the tunnel
within the tomb of Seti I. Excavating, crawling, discovering hieroglyphics and
finally coming to the end of the tunnel of Seti I is an adventure that cannot be
forgotten and this exhibit provides a way that children can experience the same
thrill.”

In the museum’s new Archaeology Lab, visitors use real science to examine a CT
scan of Seti I’s mummy (the only replica of Seti I’s mummy). A sound and light
show helps families work together to interpret the tomb’s hieroglyphs, see real
artifacts from the time of Seti I, and reassemble a recreation of the pharaoh’s
broken sarcophagus lid. One of several authentic artifacts on display is Seti
I’s cup made of faience. The cup was probably used as a votive offering in one
of Seti I temples.

Museum staff worked with experts in China to find the best way to tell the story
of Zhao Zheng, who became the ruler of the Kingdom of Qin in 237 BC and is known
as the First Emperor of China. Visitors to the new exhibit will be flanked by
two rows of warrior replicas (generals, archers and infantrymen – each with a
unique face). Children and families experience the thrill of discovery as they
dig for pieces of the first emperor’s past in a recreated version of one of the
most celebrated finds of the 20th century. Other activities encourage the
reconstruction of a warrior from re-created pieces and the virtual re-painting
of warriors based on scientific clues.

The largest children’s museum in the world joins forces with an incredible
explorer who very well could be on the verge of discovering some of the most
historic ships in history. The Dominican Republic portion of the exhibit focuses
on William Kidd, captain of a ship that was legally contracted by the British
government to attack pirates and commandeer enemy trade ships during wartime. In
1696, Kidd captured the Cara Merchant. The event was his undoing and he was
hanged for being a pirate in what became one of the greatest scandals of his
age. In this part of the exhibit, visitors will see the only cannon brought to
the surface from the only pirate shipwreck ever discovered in the Caribbean.
“Kids will be like sponges wanting to hear the history – wanting to hear about
the archaeology – wanting to know more about the ships and the corals all
because of this pirate,” said Beeker. “But also as good teachers, we’re going to
educate entire families about what the world was like in the 17th century and
what that tells us about life today.”

“Visitors to the exhibition will feel as if they’ve embarked on an international
adventure as they learn about the meticulous aspects of an archaeologist’s work
and take an active role in discovering and investigating these sites,” said
Susan Norton, director of the National Geographic Museum. “Since our founding in
1888, National Geographic has shared amazing stories and incredible discoveries
with each new generation. The ‘Treasures of the Earth’ exhibition at The
Children’s Museum is another way for us to do just that.”

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a nonprofit institution committed to
creating extraordinary family learning experiences that have the power to
transform the lives of children and families. Visitors can explore the physical
and natural sciences, history, world cultures, the arts, see how dinosaurs lived
65 million years ago in Dinosphere: Now You’re in Their World®, experience Dale
Chihuly’s Fireworks of Glass and examine children’s impact in shaping history in
The Power of Children: Making a Difference. For more information about The
Children’s Museum, visit www.childrensmuseum.org.

SOURCE The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis