On the occasion of International Museum Day (IMD), celebrated this year under the theme “Museums for Education and Research”, the Museum of Lebanese Prehistory (MPL) at the Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) hosted a roundtable discussion on Friday, May 17. The event, titled “A Museum…Educational Experiences”, was organized in collaboration with the USJ Lebanese Institute of Educators (ILE) and the Lebanese National Committee of ICOM.

The roundtable featured three distinguished speakers. Mrs. Diala Nammour, Managing Director of MACAM (Modern and Contemporary Art Museum), presented on “Integrating Interactive Elements into Visual Education”, offering innovative insights to enhance students’ museum experiences through gamification and “slow looking” techniques.

Prof. Rock el-Achy, Director of ILE, explored “The Museum…Space and Time to Foster Holistic Education for Learners”, emphasizing the transformative potential of museum visits in developing diverse skills and addressing learners’ emotional, social, ethical, and academic needs.

Mrs. Graziella Haddad Hindi, an instructor at Grand Lycée Franco-Libanais de Beyrouth and a PhD candidate in archaeology, discussed the “Central Role of Heritage in Education”, underscoring the importance of field activities in allowing students to engage with heritage across its various forms.

The roundtable was moderated by Dr. Maya Haïdar-Boustani, Director of MPL and an ICOM member, who facilitated enriching discussions between the speakers and the audience.

Following the discussions, Mr. Mher Peltekian, a master’s student in archaeology at the American University of Beirut (AUB), shared how MPL has shaped his scientific journey, aligning with the day’s focus on research.

Concluding the event, the Lebanese National Committee of ICOM hosted a reception, fostering warm interactions among participants and guests.

MPL also opened its doors to the public free of charge on Saturday, May 18, offering a self-guided tour and educational workshop titled: “In the Shoes of a Prehistorian: From Archaeological Excavation to Scientific Publication.” The aim was to acquaint attendees (aged 8 to 18) with the various stages of a prehistorian’s work. Around twenty young participants joined the workshop, led by the MPL team along with guest speaker Christelle Kabboul, a PhD candidate in archaeobotany at the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle in Paris. Prof. Maher Abboud, Dean of the USJ Faculty of Science, generously provided a microscope for participants to observe and identify plant macro-remains discovered during the excavation.

Dr. Maya Haïdar-Boustani emphasized the definition of a museum as adopted by ICOM since August 2022. According to this definition, “A museum is a not-for-profit, permanent institution in the service of society that researches, collects, conserves, interprets and exhibits tangible and intangible heritage. Open to the public, accessible and inclusive, museums foster diversity and sustainability. They operate and communicate ethically, professionally and with the participation of communities, offering varied experiences for education, enjoyment, reflection and knowledge sharing”.

The IMD, according to the Director of MPL, is an annual event highlighting the pivotal role of museums as hubs of cultural exchange, dialogue, understanding, respect, and cooperation among people, fostering a peaceful and sustainable world.

Dr. Maya Haïdar-Boustani also highlighted the 2024 theme, “Museums for Education and Research”, underlining its significance in alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). It urges museum professionals, instructors, and educators to reconsider education and propose diverse and innovative educational experiences within and around museums.

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Read also: Table ronde et portes ouvertes au Musée de Préhistoire libanaise de l’USJ