Disclaimer: This is not a hard-hitting news piece about the The Dead Sea Scrolls: Words That Changed the World coming to the Science Museum of Minnesota. While there may be a few facts and figures, this is the story of one ridiculously geeked-out girl encountering the scrolls for the first time. In Minnesota of all places.
I had the chance to see the scrolls years ago when I was a college senior visiting Jerusalem. There was a gala event at The Israel Museum as a wrap-up to a conference I was attending. But, rather than go to the gala, I decided to go have burgers with my newly-found Israeli friends. I’ve never regretted that decision. But I can’t say that I wasn’t excited beyond words when I heard that the scrolls were making there way here to the Twin Cities and I would finally get the chance to see them.
And that’s exactly the sentiment that I kept getting glimpses of as the exhibition was opened to the press, one day before its public opening on Friday, March 12. From the museum staff to the representatives from the Israel Antiquities Authority to the members of the media – there was a feeling of electricity and excitement buzzing all around. And, why wouldn’t there be? As exhibition advisor Dr. Michael Wise put it, this is a chance to see “real treasure” (And Dr. Wise should know real treasure when he sees it – he studied in some of the same classrooms that Dr. Henry “Indiana” Jones taught in).
The exhibition, with admission tickets that are timed and dated, starts with a dramatic introduction by a museum staff person accompanied by a video display. I’ll admit that this wasn’t my favorite part – it reminded me a bit of that cheesy movie that you see when you visit Masada. From there, however, everything is absolutely amazing.
The exhibition consists of several galleries. I had the chance to chat briefly with Mike Day, SVP of Museum Enterprises, who explained to me that the gallery flow serves to provide context before you enter the room where the scroll fragments are housed. You’ll have the chance to get geographical, historical and cultural context so that you can better understand the questions surrounding the scrolls. He pointed out that, along with the other 200+ artifacts, the exhibition starts with a scroll jar, paralleling the story of the scrolls’ modern discovery near Qumran. But all of the contextual information stops when you enter the scroll gallery.
In a dimly lit room, five sets of scroll fragments are on display. (Throughout the course of the exhibition, which runs through October, there will be three rotations of fragments – a total of fifteen scrolls in all.) It is in this room that everybody’s voices became hushed. Maybe it was the mood lighting (which also serves to protect the fragments from light damage), but I suspect it had more to do with the awe of being so close to history. Of being so close to the oldest known transcriptions of Biblical scripture. It doesn’t matter if or what you believe – there’s something spiritual about being in the same room with these scroll fragments. Which is why I was so ridiculously geeked to see them. And why you should be too.
Want to see the exhibition for free?
Let us know in the comment section below what has you so excited to see the scrolls. The winner will be randomly drawn from all entries received by noon on Monday, April 12. They’ll get a pair of vouchers which can be exchanged for tickets for the day and time of their choosing before August 31st.
Too excited to wait to win?
The Dead Sea Scrolls: Words that Changed the World runs from March 12 – October 24. Tickets are $28 for adults, $22 for kids and seniors. Ticket price includes museum admission, exhibition admission and an audio tour.
(Photo of Scroll: Israel Antiquities Authority via Science Museum of MN)
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I’m excited to view the Dead Seas scrolls for myself as I believe the contain coded answers to the meaning of “LOST.”
I’m excited to see the dead sea scrolls because they have so much history behind them. When you see something so ancient it helps you feel a powerful connection to the past.
I’m excited to see the Dead Sea Scrolls because they are one of the earliest transcription of Biblical text-a true treasure! I’m really thrilled that they are available to the public now & not just to “scholars”.
I am excited to see the dead sea scrolls because my teacher keeps telling me how amazing and old they are.
I am excited to see the dead sea scrolls so I can finally do something with my husband.
I am excited to see the dead sea scrolls because I love history, I love Judaism, I love going to museums, and I love having fun dates like that with my fiance, especially for free!
I am excited to see the dead sea scrolls because I love experiencing history of my culture and seeing it in life.
I’m really excited to see the Paleo-Hebrew (orginal Hebrew Aleph-bet), which hasn’t been used since the the Bar Kokhba Revolt. It’s just too hard to find Paleo-Hebrew periodicals these days!
I would be delighted to win a chance to see the scrolls because my family comptorller would rather spend $58.00 on a dinner date than a scroll date.
I would like to see the dead scrolls because of the history and stories associated with them.
I would love to see the dead sea scrolls because my teen son and I just moved to Duluth from Kansas City and feel a little out of touch with our Judaism. It would also be a great excuse to head down to the Cities and spend some great mom/son bonding time. I have never been to any museums in the cities and would love to check a few out!
After so many years of hearing about the Dead Sea Scrolls, I am so excited to be in the same part of the world to be able to see them in person. I am somewhat of a geek to begin with & I know I will be geeked out to be in the same room and learn even more about them. I’d like to take my best friend; I’m sure she would love to see them, but the price would deter her & she would think it too much for me to pay her way. Who wouldn’t want something for free?
The Dead Sea Scrolls is something that shouldn’t be missed. Unfortunately, I am a college student that can’t really afford it at this time!
I am excited to see the Dead Sea Scrolls because I have a Religious Studies minor and am fascinated by Religion, it’s followers, and the artifacts and events that make up history as well as the future!
I feel so connected to Judaism on a social and cultural level. I think that seeing the scrolls and feeling their immense historical significance would be such an amazing experience to help me connect to the more religious and historical side of Judaism.
I’m excited to see them for the historical significance they represent.
I know we can’t vote, but if we could I would vote for Earl Graypark:
earl graypark says:
March 12, 2010 at 11:25 AM
I’m excited to view the Dead Seas scrolls for myself as I believe the contain coded answers to the meaning of “LOST.
I’d love to take my parents to see the Scrolls when they come visit me in a couple weeks. The trip to the Swedish Institute last time just didn’t do it for them.
Congrats to Olga! We’ll be sending her a pair of vouchers to see the exhibit. And, for those of you who didn’t win – stay tuned on our Facebook fan page for another chance to win.