EXCITING ADDITIONS TO CLAYTON MUSEUM OF ANCIENT HISTORY

BY ELIZA ROHDA '26

The Clayton Museum of Ancient History has two new additions—a temporary exhibit titled “The Ancient Greeks: Founders of the Classical World" and a valuable collection of resources held in the Clayton Apologetics Reading Room.

The temporary exhibit, opened to visitors in March, was an effort led by Dr. Tim McNeese '73 and Dr. Terry Seufferlein ’85. Dr. Seufferlein had been wanting the museum to highlight Ancient Greece for some time, as he noted that many other ancient cultures are represented throughout the collection. The Romans, the Persians, and other historically significant civilizations are present, but until now, less attention had been given to the Greeks. The arrival of this exhibit brings information covering hundreds of influential years, and combined with the rest of the museum, it will give visitors a more complete picture of ancient life. A large percentage of the museum is dedicated to the Roman Empire, and as Dr. McNeese put it, “Without the Greeks, we wouldn't have had the Romans."

The previous exhibit was originally set to be replaced before the pandemic, but when Covid-19 hit, plans stalled. Then the summer of 2023 was approaching, and Dr. Seufferlein happened to be scheduled to speak at a conference in—you guessed it—Greece. He was tasked with buying pieces for the new exhibit while he was there, with Dr. McNeese weighing in on each purchase over the phone. Putting his confidence in Dr. Seufferlein, Dr. McNeese simply said, “Text me when you find cool stuff!”

While in Greece, Dr. Seufferlein was able to find several valuable pieces, such as an exact replica of the Mask of Agamemnon which is on display in the National Archeological Museum in Athens. The collection also includes a replica of the bust of Pericles, Greek pottery, and ancient Greek coins. Lining the walls are various signs, authored by Dr. McNeese and Dr. Seufferlein, detailing the history and significance of the Greek people. The recently retired Dr. McNeese never really stopped working, and spent hours assembling the displays. Eric Tremaine '91, director of facilities, was instrumental in the process, and his expertise in maintenance pulled the exhibit together. In the time leading up to the exhibit’s debut, he could be found in the museum after hours and on weekends, working to perfect the displays for the incoming visitors.

The teamwork paid off, and by March 11th “The Ancient Greeks” was ready to open to the public. Equip Conference attendees were the first to see it, and their positive responses will not be the last—over the next couple of years, visitors to the museum will have the opportunity to enjoy this insight into ancient Greek culture.

Also opened during the Equip Conference, was the second new addition to the museum, the Clayton Apologetics Reading Room. The reading room features over 1000 atheist and apologetics periodicals collected for 56 years by John Clayton, the namesake of the museum.

A scientist and former second-generation atheist, Clayton came to believe in God while attempting to prove that the Bible contradicts known scientific facts. Instead of disproving the Bible, he found it to be absolutely reliable. He has dedicated his life to proving God’s existence and inspiring faith in countless individuals. During the dedication, he spoke on his work and the need to communicate with the coming generations. “We can stop the erosion of our young people,” he said, “if we can stop and answer their questions.”

The Clayton Museum of Ancient History collects, researches, preserves, exhibits, and interprets objects with a special focus on the ancient world. It features the C. Foster Stanback Collection with displays including artifacts from the Ancient Near East and Rome.

Guests of all ages are welcome. Admission is free. Tours are available, including school and church groups.