Program Themes and Topics
Please chose from the following list of MWM program topics for your school or organization. Programs may be individual presentations or part of a series. All programs are adaptable for any age and ability.
If there is an additional topic you are interested in, let Marisa know! She will work with you to create an original program or tour at The Met.
Program length is typically 45- 60 minutes. However, extended program time is always available for additional conversation and time with the artifacts.
Mummies and More: Discovering Ancient Egypt
A unique introduction to the art and archaeology of Ancient Egypt with your very own Egyptologist! Marisa recounts little-known facts, tidbits and stories to help students truly discover this fascinating culture. This interactive workshop concludes with a hieroglyphic activity where each participant draws their name inside a cartouche, learns how to make papyrus and receives their very own papyrus piece to take home.
Authentic ancient artifacts are an integral part of the program to allow firsthand engagement of the past for participants- a unique opportunity to actually touch a 3,000 year-old-item!
When in Rome! Exploring the Art of Ancient Rome
A introduction to the art and history of Ancient Rome! Travel back in time and visit famous landmarks, learn about the destruction of Pompeii, and investigate how images and ideas from Ancient Rome still impact all of us today. Marisa covers architectural details in an accessible way for all students to understand. The program includes the opportunity to touch and interact with authentic 2,500-year-old artifacts.
Atriums, Amphitheaters and Arches: Architecture of Ancient Rome
The ancient Romans were innovative architects and engineers who invented building methods still in use today. Let's look at Roman monuments and other famous landmarks constructed in the Roman architectural style. We will learn about the architectural innovations that changed the world and enabled these monuments to survive thousands of years.
Can You Dig It? Discovering Archaeology
What is it like to be an actual archaeologist? What sorts of tools do they use? How do they know where to excavate? A fun and enlightening program on the realities of archaeology, Marisa offers personal stories and details from her own archaeological experiences and provides a full picture of exactly what archaeology is. Participants then excavate their own digs to find artifacts and make educated guesses of what these items were used for.
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Beyond the Nile: Ancient Rome in the Land of the Pharaohs
Egypt, the most ancient of the Mediterranean civilizations, held a fascination for the ancient Romans. This program explores the artistic interplay and partisan cultural influence between these two great civilizations- Ancient Rome and Ancient Egypt. Learn how mummification was kept in style once the Romans conquered the land, but put a classical spin on the method, or how the two sets of gods merged together to form a third set with characteristics familiar to both cultures. The program includes the opportunity to touch and interact with authentic 2,500-year-old artifacts.
Discovering Ancient Egypt: Series of Five Lectures
1) Mummies and More: Discovering the Art and Archaeology of Ancient Egypt
2) The Science of Mummification
3) The Giza Plateau: More Than Just Pyramids
4) What's Up, King Tut? The Myths, Treasures and Archaeology of King Tut-Ankh-Amun
5) Decoding Hieroglyphics
Fashion and Beauty in Ancient Rome (With a guest appearance by Elizabeth Taylor!)
In ancient Roman times, beauty and fashion were as relevant as they are now. Whether Empress or farmer, both men and women had styles that changed throughout the decades. Discover what items would be in your makeup bag and closet 2,500 years ago, as well as the "newest" toga, hairstyle, and makeup trends throughout the Roman empire. Touch an ancient Roman "bobby pin," tweezers, eye make up container, bracelets, and toga pin.
Know Before You Go! Italy, Greece or Egypt
Are you taking a school or family trip to Italy, Greece or Egypt? Get even more out of your trip by familiarizing yourself before you leave. Marisa provides an in-depth, personalized pre-trip visit, showing you reproductions, objects and photographs of the art and architecture you will see. You’ll not only benefit from the information yourself, you’ll be able to educate your travel companions as well, making the trip that much richer and more exciting for all!
Christianity in a Roman World
Roman culture existed for thousands of years before the founding of the Christian religion. Artisans began creating new art and used familiar Roman imagery as a starting point for their own religious images and architecture. Let's explore some iconic Christian images and church architecture and learn about their origins. Roman culture existed for thousands of years before the founding of the Christian religion. Artisans began creating new art and used familiar Roman imagery as a starting point for their own religious images and architecture. Marisa provides authentic "Widow's Mites" (Roman coins produced in the time of Jesus) for students to touch and interact with. This program also includes a historical study of passages from the Bible, including Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4; and the Gospel of Mark's "Lesson of the Widow's Mites."
