Activity Day at Verulamium Museum
People of all ages can learn about the Roman history of St Albans at an activity day at Verulamium Park.
They can take part in events organised by the St Albans Museums team and explore the City’s fascinating past.
There will be guided tours of the park, which is named after the Roman city that once stood on the site, at the event on Thursday 27 July.
Visitors will find out how deep pioneering archaeologists like Sir Mortimer and Tessa Wheeler had to dig to discover mosaics and other treasures.
They will be able to stand on the location of the original excavations on the 1930s and discover the route of the famous Roman road, Watling Street.
There will also be face painting as well as an arts and craft session for families for which there will be a small charge.
The fun day, held from 11am to 4pm, is part of the Festival of Archaeology 2017, a national event organised by the Council for British Archaeology.
Councillor Annie Brewster, Portfolio Holder for Sports and Culture for St Albans City and District Council, said: “Verulamium Park is one of the City’s premier attractions and many aspects of its Roman past are still visible.
“This fun day, coming at the start of the school summer holidays, is a wonderful opportunity for people to enjoy themselves while learning about our amazing heritage.
“The guided tours which will take people around important locations in the park will be particularly interesting. It will be a great way for families to kick off their summer break.”
Verulamium Museum, which showcases the City’s Roman collection, is closed until Friday 28 July for essential maintenance works.
A series of events has been arranged for August once it reopens. These include:
• Crack the Code Museum Trail – explore the museum for clues to Roman words and phrases
hidden around the galleries. Every Tuesday in August, 10am to 5pm, free;
• Show and Tell - discover the secrets of our museum collections with a short talk or handling
session. Every Wednesday in August, 11am to 2pm, free;
• Family Fridays - explore a different theme each week with drop-in craft and learning sessions inspired by the collection Handle artefacts and make a souvenir to take home. Every Friday in August, 10am to 5pm, £2.50 per person. Themes include Roman Armour, 11 August, and Tudor Traditions, 25 August;
• Mosaic making – artist Dionne Ible will help you create a Roman-style mosaic coaster inspired by the collection. Thursday 3 August, 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm, free;
• Games in the Galleries – play ancient board games just like a Roman. Suitable for all the family, Saturday 12 August, 12pm to 4pm, free;
• Meet a Roman Soldier - learn about life as a Centurion. Saturday 26 August, 2pm to 3pm, free.
For further details, please select the What’s On tab on the website: www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk/whats-on/
The Festival of Archaeology from Saturday 15 to Sunday 30 July has a programme of more than 1,000 events across the UK. More details are available here: www.archaeologyfestival.org.uk/.
Pictures: Verulamium Museum; scenes from the 1930s excavations.
Councillor contact:
Councillor Annie Brewster, Portfolio Holder for Sports and Culture, St Albans City and District Council. Email: cllr.a.brewster@stalbans.gov.uk; Tel:
01438 832255
Contact for the media:
John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, St Albans City & District Council, Tel: 01727 296130, E-mail: john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk