Celebrating International Archaeology Day 2024 at the Museum of Belize
On Friday, October 18, 2024, the Institute of Archaeology (NICH) hosted an exciting, all-day celebration of International Archaeology Day at the Museum of Belize. The event brought together history, science, and creativity through a cultural and educational fair designed to showcase the achievements of the ancient Maya and the ongoing work in Archaeology across Belize.
The fair featured a series of engaging, interactive booths. Visitors explored the complexity of Maya hieroglyphics, participated in hands-on pottery-making workshops, learned about the latest archaeological research in Belize, and discovered how the IA manages and protects our 14 archaeological reserves. Special presentations on archaeology enforcement gave insight into how Belize safeguards its cultural heritage for future generations.
A highlight of the day was the immersive, guided multi-media tours of the Museum of Belize’s latest exhibit, Maya: Creating Civilization. Visitors were transported through centuries of history, exploring artifacts, architectural wonders, and stories that illuminated the brilliance of the ancient Maya. These experiences captivated the imagination of schoolchildren, teachers, and the general public alike, making learning fun and accessible.
Belize’s participation in International Archaeology Day did not go unnoticed. The event received special recognition from the Archaeological Institute of America on their website, affirming the global relevance of the country’s efforts to preserve and promote its cultural heritage.
This annual celebration would not have been possible without the support and collaboration of several key partners, including the Museum of Belize (NICH), the Institute for Social & Cultural Research (ISCR NICH), the Institute of Creative Arts, the San Antonio Women’s Cooperative, Heritage Education Network Belize, and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology (MoECST).
The Institute of Archaeology expresses deep gratitude to everyone—partners, students, teachers, and visitors—who made this year’s celebration a resounding success. With events like these, we continue to foster awareness, appreciation, and love for the incredible archaeological and cultural treasures that shape Belize’s identity.
Written by Rumari Ku
Archaeologist , NICH-IA