The Nose Creek Valley Museum (NCVM) is going international – the Airdrie-based museum will open a new exhibit April 5, with a focus on replicas of archaeological findings from around the world. The Can You Dig It? exhibit will feature museum-quality replicas of excavated artifacts from Ancient Assyria, Egypt and Greece, as well as other countries. Carrie Allen, a member of NCVM’s Board of Directors, said the exhibit will provide visitors a “snapshot about archaeology.” While the new displays will incorporate some of the museum’s current, locally-focused artifacts, she said, the additions will offer visitors a fresh perspective into historical times. “What people can expect to see when they walk in is not something they would necessarily think to see in a small, local, pioneer museum,” she said. Two examples of new pieces to check out, Allen said, are a diorama of an ancient burial and replica paintings of Egyptian gods. “The contrast between what is always here and what is in this new exhibit – that is the piece I would definitely promote,” she said. “Not only does it highlight the amazing culture we have here, it also highlights how all of these other historical cultures have led to where we are.” The exhibit will be on display until the end of October, according to Allen, who added welcoming new Canadians to Airdrie was one of the motivations for Can You Dig it? “There are lots of [new Canadians] – fabulous people contributing amazing insight and intelligence,” she said. “Their history and their vibrance in our community – it makes [Airdrie] a thousand times better.” The exhibit will officially open with a launch party April 5, where attendees will get a first public peek at the replica art. The evening will include appetizers, a silent auction, a 50-50 draw and two optional sessions with a sommelier at 7 and 8 p.m. “They’ll be able to sample four unique wines, and learn a little about wine,” Allen said. Allen, who is also a replica artist, added she will be sculpting a piece during the opening launch, and will be available to answer questions about the craft. “People can actually ask me questions about replica [art], and how important it is to modern museums,” she said. “Not only the importance of replica, but how difficult it is and how skilled replica artists are.” Tickets to the April 5 event are $50, according to Allen, and can be purchased online at nosecreekvalleymuseum.ca or in-person at the museum. NCVM opened in 1988 and is located at 1701 Main Street S.W., adjacent to Nose Creek Park. The museum – which focuses on the history of Airdrie and area – houses more than 10,000 artifacts, including wildlife displays, a settler’s cabin, a blacksmith’s shop and a barbershop. From September through May, the museum is open from 1 to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 1 to 4:30 p.m. on weekends. Entry is free for children under 12, and $5 for everyone else.
