Discovering the Maya civilization

September 28, 2012

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

For immediate release

Gatineau, Quebec, September 25, 2012—In conjunction with the exhibition Maya: Secrets of their Ancient World, the Canadian Museum of Civilization invites you to a series of three lectures that will help you explore the world of the Maya people and how their culture continues to resonate with us today.

On Thursday, September 27, at 6:30 p.m. (in French) and 8 p.m. (in English), join us for an illustrated talk by Claudio Obregón Clairin from the Instituto de la Cultura y las Artes in Cancun, Mexico. Enjoy some hot chocolate while you take an armchair tour of spectacular sites in Mexico to learn about the subject. Discover the archaeological wonders that have been uncovered and what they tell us about the Maya people.

At 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 18, come to hear a talk by Anabel Ford, the Director of the MesoAmerican Research Center and Associated Anthropologist at the University of California. Ms. Ford will explain what she thinks sustained the great populations of the ancient Maya in a seemingly inhospitable tropical environment. She will share findings from her recent pioneering work in Belize and Guatemala, looking at how standards of sustainability are now being set for future generations.

With December 2012 fast approaching, many people familiar with the Maya civilization are asking: will this be the end of the world? Claudio Obregón Clairin, a renowned researcher on the Maya, will explore some of the theories surrounding the Maya calendar and 2012, and explain what they really mean.

Travel to the Maya World
Thursday, September 27
6:30 p.m. (French) and 8 p.m. (English)
Northern Salon
Illustrated talk by Claudio Obregón Clairin, Instituto de la Cultura y las Artes de Cancún, Mexico

 The Ancient Maya and Their Forest: A Co-Creative Landscape
Thursday, October 18
7 p.m.
Theatre
Illustrated talk by Anabel Ford, Director of the MesoAmerican Research Center and Associated Anthropologist at the University of California

 The Maya Calendar and 2012
Thursday, October 25
6:30 p.m. (French) and 8 p.m. (English)
Theatre
Illustrated talk by Claudio Obregón Clairin, Instituto de la Cultura y las Artes de Cancún, Mexico 

Individual lectures: $10 for adults, seniors; and $8 for Members, employees. Lecture package: $25 for adults, seniors; and $20 for Members, employees. Please visit the Museum Box Office or call 819-776-7000.

Unless otherwise indicated, simultaneous translation (English to French) will be provided.

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 Information (media): 

Patricia Lynch
Manager, Media Relations, Partnerships and Special Events
Telephone: 819-776-7167
patricia.lynch@historymuseum.ca
Stéphanie Verner
Media Relations Officer
Telephone: 819-776-7169
stephanie.verner@historymuseum.ca