Dig Liverpool History
This July, explore the long and fascinating history of Liverpool as the Museum of Liverpool once again joins the British Council of Archaeology’s annual Festival of Archaeology.
Free archaeology events at Museum of Liverpool
This July, explore the long and fascinating history of Liverpool as the Museum of Liverpool once again joins the British Council of Archaeology’s annual Festival of Archaeology.
Discover the history under our feet and what stories it can tell us with activities for visitors of all ages. From free family events to exciting displays and online experiences, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore the past of our great city.
Liz Stewart, Interim Head of Museum of Liverpool, said:
The Museum of Liverpool’s Festival of Archaeology this July is bursting with brilliant ways to explore Liverpool’s history. With everything from craft sessions, workshops and treasure hunts to a real archaeological dig and a Twitter conference, we’ve got a variety of ways to get involved for both those with a passion for history or anyone just getting started.
Displays
Inspired by the stunning exhibition, The Tudors: Passion, Power, Politics at the Walker Art Gallery, a new display at Museum of Liverpool explores local Tudor life in Merseyside and Cheshire. The Tudors: commerce, creativity and change comprises archaeological finds of household objects and structural remains which tell the story of the lives of ordinary people in Tudor times who lived in the region.
Watch real archaeologists and volunteers at work as our community archaeology team investigate the Piermaster’s Green. Formerly the site of two of the four houses which stood on Albert Parade, the team are exploring the domestic life of people who lived and worked on the docks before the Second World War when the buildings were destroyed during the Liverpool Blitz. Every Tuesday to Friday from 10.30-3pm you can watch the team at work and chat to them about techniques they’re using and things they have discovered.
Activities and events
Face Lab
19 July
11am-4pm
Drop in for a day of investigation, challenges and discovery. The Liverpool John Moores University’s Face Lab team will be sharing their incredible work, including the facial reconstruction of Leasowe Man, the oldest surviving skeleton from Merseyside, found on the Wirral shore in 1864. (Suitable for all ages).
20, 21, 22, 23 & 24 July
11.30-12noon
Bring the archaeologists of the future on a treasure hunt around the museum. They will learn more about the skills needed and tools used by archaeologists in this interactive and fun session. (Suitable for ages 3-7).
16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23 & 24 July
11-12noon & 1-3.30pm
Make a connection with something made in another century – what does it tell you about its user and where it was found? Get hands on with the past as you get the chance to look, touch, smell and find out more about REAL objects from the Museum of Liverpool’s archaeology collection. (Suitable for all ages).
26 July
11-12noon & 1-3.30pm
Did you know Liverpool had its own castle? Learn more about it in our History Detectives gallery and be inspired to create your own to take away and keep. (Suitable for all ages).
27 July
11-12 noon & 1-3.30pm
Osteoarchaeology or Bioarchaeology is the study of human remains found on archaeological dig sites. Make your own skeleton, learning anatomical names for the different bones as you go in a fun creative activity. (Suitable for all ages).
28 & 29 July
11-12 noon & 1-3.30pm
An opportunity to explore the fascinating settlers who made parts of Merseyside their home more than 1000 years ago. Create your own Viking-inspired helmet to take home with you. (Suitable for all ages).
26, 27 & 28 July
11-12noon & 2-3pm
Travel back to the medieval period and become part of King Edward III’s army during the Hundred Years War, a turbulent time in English history. Join Lord FitzWarin and Sergeant at Arms, John, to discover more about weapons and armour of the age. (Suitable for all ages).
Online
Twitter Conference – Women in Archaeology
20 July
From 2pm
Hosted by the Museum of Liverpool Twitter account, each ‘speaker’ has 15 minutes to explore the theme, Women in Archaeology, across approximately ten tweets using pictures, gifs and links to illustrate their ideas. The conference is an opportunity to celebrate women who’ve worked in archaeology and stories of women in the past which are uniquely revealed through archaeology. A Twitter conference means anyone anywhere can attend and even catch up after the event by following the hashtag #ArchMoL22
'How To' films
Answering questions such as 'How do we know where to dig?' and 'How to trowel?' A series of informative films give great insight for those new to archaeology and want to know more.
Maniarchaeology
22 July
Inspired by Museum of Liverpool’s archaeology collection, America-based archaeologists and nail artists, Lindsay Bloch and Sarah Miller will create new nail designs for their quirky Instagram accounts, Maniarchaeology and Majolicamani.
Publications
The recently published, 'Archaeology of Merseyside in 20 Digs', explores the stories of Merseyside’s past, from mesolithic to modern, reflecting on lifestyles, settlements, communities, beliefs and food. If your interest in archaeology and the history of the region is encouraged by all the brilliant events this July browse for this and other books in our shop or online