Mayan exhibit described as 'cool', 'awesome'

"Very cool" and "awesome" was the general consensus from the children who visited the ASU museum's newest exhibit, "The Mystery of the Mayan Medallion," on Saturday, March 13.

"It is ideal for children and adults of all ages who want to learn about the Mayan civilization," said Joseph Collier, an English graduate student. "It's fun for everyone."

Marty and Betsy Huss of Jonesboro took their two daughters, Kate and Michaella, to the exhibit Saturday afternoon.

First, the girls each received their own map with 19 questions about the Mayan civilization and four scavenger hunt clues. They then viewed a short film left by a fictional archeological team about the Mayan Medallion before they set out to solve the mystery by following the clues on their map.

En route they learned about Mayan culture, history and mythology.

"It was a great exhibit. Something great for families that the adults can enjoy as much as the children," Betsy Huss said. "I think it is important that our community support this treasure that we have."

The exhibit is the third of a part of the Arkansas Discovery Network series.

"We are all really excited," assistant museum director Lenore Shoults said. "Grossology brought 15,000 people to our museum while it was here so we have high hopes for this one."

The exhibit brought out as many adults as children, according to Charta Farris, a non-traditional physical therapy major who works weekends in the museum.

"We saw a lot of mothers and daughters and fathers and sons come out today," said Farris. "I think it is a great bonding experience for parents and their kids."

Children attending the event enjoyed the hands-on learning aspect of the exhibit.

"I thought it was awesome because it was so interactive," 11-year-old Michaella Huss said.

"I liked learning about the astronomy and the Mayan glyphs," added 9-year-old Kate Huss. "I learned how to count to 19 in Mayan and that was cool."

The exhibit will run during regular museum hours until June 14, and is free to the public.