Interview with
VOLUNTEER
JUDI EBERT page 5
WINTER/SPRING NEWSLETTER 2015 www.digging4it.com
WINTER 2015
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THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT! SEL F-GUI DED T O URS WI L L SO O N C O M E A L I VE WI T H A M O B I L E A P P
location 130 Gordon Commercial Drive LaGrange, GA 30240
mailing address P.O. Box 3900 LaGrange, GA 30241
phone 706.885.0363
email contact@explorationsinantiquity.com
web digging4it.com
This newsletter is published twice per year by the Development Department and is designed to highlight events and people, to encourage attendance and volunteering, and to inspire donors to continue their generous contributions.
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Opportunity from our visitors: Approximately 15 percent of our visitors arrive with fewer than 10 people in their party. Individuals or small groups are then provided an orientation to the center by a staff member and a 32-page booklet for a self-guided tour. This allows visitors to stroll through at a leisurely pace, take great pictures and make wonderful memories. However, the ideal situation is that every visitor experience a dynamic, docent-led tour. Limited resources, unfortunately, prevent such an option. A visitor posted on Trip Advisor: “I would highly recommend having a tour guide (docent). There is just so much to learn that you will lose much of the ‘wonder’ of being there as you try to read pages of information.” Solution from our donors: EIA is no different than other museums worldwide that are learning how to harness the power of technology. The board of directors identified the need for a mobile app so individuals or small groups could get the enhanced experience of a docent-led tour. By using their own smartphone or tablet computers, visitors will have a tailored tour with text, audio, animation, still imagery and video, plus having an instantaneous connection to all the information available on the Internet. Having such technology will also help the museum remain relevant to a younger audience. The app is expected to be available for the busy Spring/ Easter season. Funds are currently being sought for a second app that will provide a customized tour of the artifacts gallery. If you are interested in supporting this app, contact Laura Jennings, Director of Development, 706-885-0363 or laura.jennings@explorationsinantiquity.com.
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE DONORS WHO INVESTED IN THIS PROJECT: Anonymous through the Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley, Sally Dowland and Barbara and Wayne Harms.
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION!! AT T E ND A CO NFER ENCE AT E X P L ORATIONS IN ANT I QU I T Y Come in on a Monday for the opening session Monday evening. Tuesday is a half-day morning session, leaving the afternoon to explore LaGrange. Wednesday concludes with another half-day session, leaving another afternoon free. Vibrant downtown LaGrange surrounds a picturesque town square with cute shops and locally-owned restaurants with impressively delicious meals. Hills & Dales Estate is the Callaway family manse circa 1916 and surrounded by pre-Civil War gardens with religious themes. FDR’s Little White House is just 30 minutes from LaGrange.
SPRING CONFERENCE: CITIES THAT RECEIVED THE EPISTLES AND NEW INSIGHTS March 16-18, 2015 Examines how excavations which have reached down to the level of First Century cities have contributed to a better understanding of the character of the town, its main building projects, and likely challenges for the new faith community living there at the time of the Epistles. The main cities to be explored include: Perge and the Galatia area, Philippi, Athens, the Colossae area, Ephesus, Rome and Puteoli, and The Seven Churches of Revelation. The conference will be enriched with many excavation photos.
FALL CONFERENCE: ARCHAEOLOGY LOOKS AT THE BOOK OF GENESIS Monday, September 14 Wednesday, September 16 Examines the implications of archaeological work at sites mentioned in Genesis. Theological summaries will be included at the end of each session. Sessions include The Creation Poem; Pre-History and the Flood Narrative; The Culture of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs; The God of the Marginal; and The God of Promise.
YOU SHOULD CONSIDER ATTENDING A CONFERENCE AT EIA BECAUSE . . . Dr. Fleming’s illustrated lectures and eagerness to share information from his many years of working and traveling in Israel provide valuable insights into understanding the Scriptures and relating them to the following of Jesus today. Adele & Merlin Batts I highly recommend that others attend some of these conferences, because they are biblically educational, highly entertaining (Dr. Fleming has a subtle humor that keeps you laughing), and it is fun to meet others who are so hungry to learn and understand more about how we should live as Christians and how we should be better servants to God and to others around us. I look forward to attending future conferences. Pat Bowie Attending a conference at EIA has to be on your “must do” list! You will not be disappointed! LaDonna Morris I have heard Dr. Fleming several times. He is an outstanding speaker and worth traveling 800 miles to hear. Warren Haltmar
Register now with Pat Gray, Conference Coordinator 706.885.0363 or pat.gray@explorationsinantiquity.com
HEY, HEROES! W IT H OUT YOU , T HERE WO UL D B E NO EI A . Did you know only 49% of EIA’s operating funds come from admissions? The balance, thankfully, comes from the heart of devoted donors like you.
49%
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THE MOST INTERESTING FACT I LEARNED AT THE CONFERENCE WAS . . .
The Fall 2014 Conference was entitled Archaeological Discoveries that Make the Bible Come Alive.
Here is what attendees had to say: . . . the Roman practice of having a meal in the catacombs, and how it enabled Christians to gather safely to worship
. . . the lecture on the artifacts in the museum. Just to think that they were over 2,000 years old. Warren Haltmar
Adele Batts
FALL CONFERENCE ATTENDEES BY STATE Georgia
28 Alabama
8 7
Texas 6
Florida New Jersey
2
North Carolina
2
Pennsylvania
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CRUISING THE NILE A 1 0 TH ANNIVER SARY CE LE BRATORY T R IP
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Explorations in Antiquity with a trip to Egypt with Dr. Jim Fleming and Hannaniah Pinto! This archaeological journey, set for January 23- February 6, 2016, follows the ancient Hebrews from bondage to freedom. A seven-night Nile cruise aboard a ship with 150 friends of Explorations in Antiquity makes for an exclusive experience. The trip cost includes a $200 per person donation to Explorations in Antiquity. The itinerary may be found at BiblicalResouces.net or email travelbr@eathlink.net and request a mailed brochure.
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. . . the new insights related to King Herod’s burial Merlin Batts
VOLUNTEERS ARE THE TRANSFORMING FACTOR
The devotion of our volunteers is praiseworthy. It is not enough to be personable and able to captivate an audience. Historical accuracy is critical, so they must also be extremely knowledgeable about the content shared during tours and willing to continue learning new material. How long have you volunteered at EIA? I was in the first group of docents trained. This was right after the center officially opened in 2006. In fact, workmen were still building many of the areas. You drive 70 miles roundtrip to volunteer at EIA. What made you choose EIA over other volunteer opportunities closer to home? As a retired school teacher and a long time student of Jewish history and culture, the simple answer is being a docent at EIA is the perfect opportunity to both expand my knowledge and communicate it to others. My husband says EIA is perfectly “in my wheelhouse”! What is your volunteer role at EIA and what is one achievement in that role that you are proud of? As a docent or teaching guide, I take those who visit EIA through the Gallery, Garden and Biblical meal making sure they understand the cultural significance of what they are experiencing. It is ALWAYS a rewarding experience to see the fascination and what I call the “light bulb” look on the faces of people when learning takes place! It’s tremendously gratifying when someone says, “It’s obvious you love what you do” or “I now understand something I have questioned for a long time”. How did you become so knowledgeable about the educational content shared here?
Do you have a life changing or heartwarming story from one of your tours? Several months ago, a man joined one of my groups. He was from the Midwest and had simply read about EIA and was curious enough to make a quick trip to see what the Center was all about. After the meal and the walk, he told me how much he had enjoyed the day and that it was worth all the miles he had traveled! He assured me he would be back—next time with his wife! True to his word, some time later, he and his wife made the long trek back to Georgia and I had the pleasure of confirming in her mind that experiencing EIA was well worth the trip! What have you learned from the visitors? I’ve learned that regardless of their religious background or age, the uniqueness of EIA has something for everyone. What single item in the artifacts gallery fascinates you most? The gallery contains two “stone game boards” that date back to 2800 – 2700 BC. These are actually the gallery’s most valuable artifacts. They prove that some things never change for I’m sure these ancient stones must have provided the same level of entertainment that the Xbox does today!
Q &A
with Judi Ebert
How do you describe EIA to prospective visitors? I begin by saying that this unique museum is like no other and must be experienced before it can be fully understood or appreciated! The three hour walk and meal accompanied by the docent’s teaching will bring many biblical scenes to life! Sitting in a tent like the one Abraham called home or in a house with a footprint like those in villages during Jesus’ day is both exciting and illuminating! What do you like to do when you’re not working / volunteering? I have always had a great love affair with teaching, especially things I’m passionate about! I teach two Bible studies at my home church as well as speaking engagements in other settings (ladies conferences, school assemblies, various churches etc.) I also love to travel, cook, spoil my grandchildren and, of course, read!
My answer may sound like the retired school teacher I am but I believe learning should only cease at death and the more you know the more you realize you don’t know! This constantly inspires me to keep learning about the things I teach others. WINTER 2015
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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR 2015 F O LL O W THE C RO S S WALKS March 3 - April 3, 10 am - 6 pm (Open Tuesday - Saturday)
GOOD F RI DAY REF L EC T I O N W IT H SO UN D & L I GHT P R ESE N TAT I O N
RO M A N A RM Y DAY
Friday, April 3, 7 pm
Dramatic presentations from The Eleventh Legion, a group of Roman soldier re-enactors.
Learn more about the last week of Jesus’ ministry in one of the most authentic settings this side of Israel. Guided tours include Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and teaching at the Temple, to the Last Supper, the arrest in Gethesemane, trial before Pontius Pilate, crucifixion and the Resurrection. For the ultimate Easter experience, schedule a Biblical meal as part of your tour! Reservations required.
Roman Theater
S P R ING C ONF ER ENCE: C I T I E S THAT R ECEIVED T HE E PIS TLE S & NEW I N S I GHTS
Come celebrate Easter in an authentic setting based on first century discoveries. This year’s topic is “Nain: Raising the Widow’s Son.”
Monday, March 16 - Wednesday, March 18 Examines how archaeological excavations which have reached down to the level of first century cities have contributed to a better understanding of the character of the town, its main building projects, and likely challenges for the new faith community living there at the time of the Epistles. The main cities to be explored include: Perge and the Galatia area, Philippi, Athens, the Colossae area, Ephesus, Rome and Puteoli, and The Seven Churches of Revelation. The conference will be enriched with many excavation photos. Pre-registration required.
Saturday, May 2, 10 am - 6 pm
H OLY SAT URDAY SO UN D & LIGH T P RESEN TAT I O N Saturday, April 4, 10 am - 6 pm Throughout the day in the Roman Theater EASTER SUN RI SE CELEBRAT I O N Sunday, April 5, 7 am
8TH A NNUA L NAT I O NA L HO L O C AUST R EMEM B RA NC E OBSERVAT I O N Thursday, April 16, 6 pm A community gathering for Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom Hashoah), which was established in 1951 by the Israeli parliament. The date coincides with the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and with the liberation of the concentration camps in western Europe.
B I B L E L A N DS A DV E N TU R E K I DS’ C A M P Wednesday – Friday, June and July Come for a day or a full session. June 3-5, 10-12, 17-19, 24-26 and July 8-10, 15-17, 22-24, 29-31 – 10 am – 12:30 pm FA L L C O NF EREN C E : A RC HA EO L O GY L O O K S AT T HE B O O K O F G E N E S IS Monday, September 14 Wednesday, September 16 Examines the implications of archaeological work at sites mentioned in Genesis. Theological summaries will be included at the end of each session. Sessions include The Creation Poem; PreHistory and the Flood Narrative; The Culture of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs; The God of the Marginal; and The God of Promise.
BI BLI CAL M E A L S, K IDS ’ A RC HA E O LO G IC A L DIG S & S H E PHE RD B RE A DM A K IN G (by reservation) S CR I P T U RE G A RDE N TO U RS (walk-ins welcome!) Year ‘Round Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm 6
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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR 2015 FOLL OW T HE SHEP HERD WALKS December 4 and 5, 11 and 12, 18 and 19 and 24 Follow the journey of Joseph and Mary as they travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem and learn new insights into the Christmas story. These walks can be done in conjunction with the Christmas Sound and Light Show.
C HRI ST M A S SO UN D & L I G HT SHO W: “ T W O DI F F ERENT K I NGS ” December 4 and 5, 11 and 12, 18 and 19 and 24 This multi-media sound and light show in the Roman stepped theater will contrast the difference between the world of King Herod and the character of the reign of King Jesus as understood by his early followers. The show will feature the discoveries at the newly discovered tomb of Herod.
PROGRESS REPORT ON LAND OF THE BIBLE PROJECT
Preliminary planning is underway for a walkable map of Israel that will be the length of one-and-a-half football fields. This addition to the center will be located on the adjoining 9.25 acres that EIA purchased several years ago. Visitors will gain an enhanced understanding of the geographical background of the Bible by walking the map with a docent and experiencing many new educational programs.
ALL NEW NEWSLETTER
A new year and a new look for our newsletter! Tell us what you think! Too much mail? If you don’t want to receive this publication at all, prefer receiving it via email, or you’re receiving duplicate newsletters, please let us know. Call or Email Laura Jennings, Development Director, 706.885.0363 or laura.jennings@explorationsinantiquity.com WINTER 2015
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S TAV E OF F S UMMER BOR EDOM by sending children and grandchildren to Bible Land Adventure Kids’ Camp. Come for one morning or all three mornings.
A WINTER READ
On a recent visit, Board Co-Chair Phil Herr was spotted in our break room reading British historian David Abulafia’s The Great Sea: A Human History of the Mediterranean. Book lovers all, the staff was intrigued by his selection. Released in paperback in 2013, this book carries the reader through the brilliant history of this famed sea from 22,000 BC to 2010. Masterfully written by the University of Cambridge Professor of Mediterranean History, it was a bestseller in U.K. nonfiction and has already been translated into Dutch, Greek, Turkish, Spanish, German, Italian and Korean.
Pressing grapes the ancient way is Hannah Chirwa, a high school volunteer who assisted with the camp this past summer.
“Over the course of nearly 800 pages, we follow faiths; sail with fleets; trade with bankers, financiers and merchants; raid with pirates and observe battles and sieges; watch cities rise and fall and see peoples migrate in triumph and tragedy. But at its heart, this is a history of mankind that radiates scholarship and a sense of wonder,. the Mediterranean as its medium.” ~ SIMON SEBAG-MONTEFIORE, Financial Times
EDITOR’S NOTE: Our Artifacts Gallery features eight perfectly preserved jars from shipwrecks off Israel’s Mediterranean coast. The jars range in age from 500 BC to 600 AD. Also, the Bible refers to the Mediterranean as “The Great Sea,” which is the title of this book.
WHY WE GIVE
T ELL U S YOU R ST O RY !
What inspires you to contribute to making EIA an unmatched resource for understanding ancient culture, Scripture tradition and archaeology? Please email us at laura.jennings@explorationsinantiquity.com or send a note in the donation envelope. 8
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