Living History Interpreters
It’s rumored that first century villagers live in Nazareth Village at Museum of the Bible... Have you heard this? Matt Tucker and a few others are here to tell you more!
The Winchester Bible
Picture this... A medieval Bible the size of a large picture frame... 🤔
What you are envisioning is likely similar to The Winchester Bible! This Bible was one of the finest representations of the medieval Bibles produced in England in the 12th century. Not only is the Bible large in size, but also includes colored ink and expensive gold leaf.
Henri Dunant
The International Committee of the Red Cross was founded #OnThisDay in 1863 in Geneva, Switzerland. Did you know the Bible impacted an influential figure that inspired the committee? Watch to learn more.
“Les Miserables” by Victor Hugo in 1862 is considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century. The Broadway musical adaptation in 1987 won eight Tony Awards, and the movie in 2013 garnered three Academy Awards.
In another one of his books, “William Shakespeare,” Hugo highlights examples of “great men” and references Acts 9. Learn more about this biblical reference in the video below.
Abraham Lincoln Birthday
Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12th, 1809. He began his political career in 1832 at the age of 23, but it was his debates with Stephen Douglas 26 years later that brought him to national prominence and reframed America’s arguments about slavery.
Did you know Lincoln often quoted the Bible in his speeches? Watch to learn more.
Black History Month: Fannie Lou Hamer
As a civil rights activist in the 1960s, Fannie Lou Hamer helped focus attention on the plight of African Americans. She came into the national spotlight at the Democratic National Convention in 1964.
Hamer was impacted by the Bible, specifically Acts 17:26. Watch to learn more.
#FlashbackFriday to Tim Schamlz’s live sculpting at Museum of the Bible in December. Did you miss the livestream? Don’t worry! Here’s a recap of the weekend event: https://fal.cn/36qWg.
Black History Month: Henry Ossawa Tanner
Henry Ossawa Tanner was one of the most distinguished artists of the 19th century. He became known primarily for his paintings that depicted biblical themes “in their original setting.” Do you know which of his works became part of the collection at the Louvre in Paris? Watch to find out!
On April 18, 1688 in Germantown, Pennsylvania, Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:12 became the underlying principle for the first written protest against slavery in the English colonies.
Watch to learn more about the views of the Germantown settlers and their 1688 petition.
Black History Month at Museum of the Bible
Black History Month is a time to remember the contributions of Black Americans to the history and culture of the United States. Check out this video for Black History Month “must see” spots at Museum of the Bible. Where are you headed first?
The Sabbath
Sabbath Day is a day of rest. Are you familiar with Sabbath traditions and where the idea is found? Watch to learn more.
Thomas Paine's "Common Sense"
On January 9, 1776, Thomas Paine published his pamphlet, “Common Sense.” In it, he argued that the British monarchy was evil and should be rejected as a form of government. Paine wanted to push the American people toward independence. Do you know what Bible verses he cited to support his point?
Trivia Time! Which body of water is referenced in Exodus 13:18, "But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of ______?" The body of water is also mentioned in Bob Marley and the Wailers' song, "Exodus.”
A. The Mediterranean Sea
B. The Sea of Galilee
C. The Red Sea
D. The Jordan River
Thomas Jefferson & John Adams
What do Thomas Jefferson and John Adams have to say about the Bible? 🤔 Watch to find out!
#DidYouKnow Luke was likely the only Gentile author in the New Testament? Watch to learn more about Luke.
"A Fence around the Torah" Walkthrough Video
Have you had an opportunity to see the Washington Pentateuch on display in “A Fence around the Torah?” This special exhibition will be open through March of 2020.
Here is a look at what you will find...
The Sisters of Sinai: Adventures of Agnes and Margaret Smith
Agnes and Margaret Smith were quite the adventurers of their day! Born in 1843, they defied many traditions, including finding an amazing and very important discovery on dirt-encrusted vellum. Do you know what they found? Watch to find out!
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Jr. led the movement in the United States to secure equal legal rights for African Americans. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in 1964. In his Nobel lecture, King used the story of the exodus in the Bible as a key inspiration.
"If I can create or capture something with artwork that people can read with their eyes, I'm actually giving them an experience that they might not have otherwise."
Check out this recap video of renowned artist Timothy Schmalz live sculpting "Maternal Bond" at Museum of the Bible.
Chef Meets Curator: Symbolism of Food in Art
Here's a look at what Chef Todd Gray and curator Amy Van Dyke are planning for tonight's Chef Meets Curator event...
The event is sold out but stay tuned for the next one coming soon!
Top Selfie Spots at Museum of the Bible
Today is #MuseumSelfieDay! Our friend Danielle is here to give us a quick tour of the top 10 selfie spots in Museum of the Bible.
📷 Be sure to tag us in your selfies when you visit!
Tapestry of Light Walkthrough
The book of Revelation in the Christian Bible has been a fascinating source of inspiration for many artists, including Dr. Irene Barberis. You can see her interpretation in the exhibition, "Tapestry of Light." On display through May 3rd, 2020.
The Matthews Bible - But Who Was Matthews?
Did you know in the 16th century, it was illegal to own an unauthorized English Bible in England? You could receive a severe penalty — maybe even death! William Tyndale, John Rogers and Miles Coverdale dared to defy the edict and translated the Bible into what is known as the Matthews Bible.
Tyndale translated the Bible in exile and was ultimately put to death. Rogers took up Tyndale’s task, but was also put to death. Coverdale, the only survivor, completed the translation. But when it was produced the attribution read: “translated by… Thomas Matthews.” Speculating the identity of Matthews, historians concluded it was likely a pseudonym for Tyndale, since his name was still far too dangerous in 1537 when the version was completed.
Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison
#OnThisDay in 1968, Johnny Cash gave one of his most memorable performances at Folsom Prison. The country music legend sang more than 15 of his songs including “Greystone Chapel,” which was written by an inmate.
Many of Cash’s songs include references to the Bible. Do you know which ones? Watch below to find out.
John Wycliffe: "Morning Star of the Reformation"
John Wycliffe died on December 31st, 1384. Called the “Morning Star of the Reformation,” he was likened to the bright planet Venus, visible before the sunrise. Wycliffe became a well-known philosopher and theologian in Oxford, but his biblical studies drew the greatest attention. He wrote extensively on the corruption of the church but his most significant contribution was his support for an English translation of the Bible.
His teachings were controversial and Wycliffe constantly lived under the threat of death. Wycliffe eventually died of a stroke and the Bible translation was completed by his followers. His work left such an impression that 44 years after he died church officials dug up his body and burned his remains.
Why is the Jezreel Valley Important?
Do you know what important biblical events have happened in the Jezreel Valley? Dave Stotts is here to tell us!
You can watch more videos like this one on Drive Thru History's page.
"Maternal Bond"
"My job is to study the Bible and to figure out what could work with art and what is needed to be expressed with art work." – Timothy Schmalz on sculpting.
"Maternal Bond" by renowned artist Tim Schmalz is on display through Friday. Don't miss your last chance to see this powerful piece!
Hebrew Cantillation
When it comes to music, the vocal tradition of chanting the Torah is central to Jewish religious services and dates to ancient times. The Hebrew Bible mentions trumpets, cymbals, harps and tambourines which were often heard at coronations, royal marriages and other festivities. But as the kingdoms of Israel and Judah were conquered and dispersed, and the temple suffered two destructions, joyful celebrations ceased.
Check out this video to learn more about music, tradition and the Torah.
PS- You won’t want to miss the upcoming event “One Voice,” which will feature three world-renowned Cantors representing Reform, Conservative and Orthodox synagogues in New York City. Learn more about this upcoming event on January 26th here: https://bit.ly/35jpMF7.
LAST CHANCE! Don’t miss the last weekend of "A Christmas Carol" Experience at Museum of the Bible. Final performances are this Friday and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and Saturday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Purchase tickets today at https://bit.ly/35PL7a9.
The Church of the Nativity
Did you know the Church of the Nativity is the oldest standing church in continual use in the Holy Land? Check out this video from Drive Thru History to learn more!
Excerpt from Drive Thru History®: The Gospels.
"A Christmas Carol" Experience
Charles Dickens’s "A Christmas Carol" resounds with themes from the Bible, particularly of charity and redemption from a past life. Different readers see allusions to different biblical stories and principles in the tale. Some have connected the tale to Deuteronomy 15:7, while others point to Jesus’s parable of the rich man and Lazarus and some to the New Testament in general. Dickens once wrote, “All my strongest illustrations are derived from the New Testament; all my social abuses are shown as departures from its spirit; all my good people are humble, charitable, faithful, and forgiving.”
Museum of the Bible celebrates the Christmas Season by bringing these important themes to life with "A Christmas Carol" Experience.
You can see this performance every weekend through January 5th. To purchase tickets and learn more, visit http://motb.me/hyg1jj.
"Joy to the World"
"Joy to the World" is one of the most beloved Christmas hymns of all time. But did you know it wasn’t written as a Christmas song?
Check out this video to learn Isaac Watts’ initial intention. Does it surprise you?
The Culture at the Time of Jesus' Birth
There weren't carolers, mistletoe or colored lights at the time that Jesus was born... so, what was the culture like? Dave Stotts is here to tell us!
Tip: You can see more Drive Thru History videos on the History Floor! This is an excerpt from Drive Thru History®: The Gospels.
"A Fence around the Torah"
The Washington Pentateuch is among the earliest, most complete, and most important Hebrew Bible manuscripts in the United States. Come discover the awe-inspiring work of the Masoretes by exploring this rare manuscript!
See the Washington Pentateuch on display in this exhibit, “A Fence Around the Torah,” through March 29, 2020.
A fragment may be just a small piece but when it the Wyman fragment from the third century, it's a highly significant piece. It’s a glimpse of the New Testament with one side of the fragment is Romans 4:23 through 5:3 while the other side is Romans 5:8-13. It includes Romans 5:1, a key verse in Christian theology. “Therefore since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” It is thought to be the second-oldest New Testament fragment on vellum. In recent years, scholars have paid considerable attention to the fragment.
To engage with the Bible is to understand its legacy — which has been going on for more 2,000 years! When Alexander the Great conquered the Persian Empire in the late fourth century BC, Jerusalem and its territories fell under the rule of Greek-speaking overlords —a language and culture that shaped the area for centuries to come.
Legend has it, that a son of one of Alexander’s generals and ruler of Egypt, devoted himself to gathering into his famous library at Alexandria “all the books of the world.” When an advisor told him: “the laws of the Jews are worth transcribing and deserve a place in your library”— Jewish scrolls were sent from Jerusalem to Alexandria. Seventy-two scholars were employed and they produced their Greek translation in just 72 days! Thus, the name Septuagint (“70” in Greek) became a term for the Greek version of the Hebrew texts.
Did you know The Tapestry of Light is the first full-visual interpretation of John’s Apocalypse in tapestry form in over 500 years, and the first known to be created by a woman?
The Book of Revelation in the Christian Bible has been a fascinating source of inspiration for artists. See the imagery of the Apocalypse reinterpreted by artist Dr. Irene Barberis in a contemporary, glow-in-the-dark tapestry of epic scale.
You can see “The Tapestry of Light” exhibition on display now through January 1, 2020!
In the history of the Bible, art has made the content relatable, accessible, inspirational... and debatable. For hundreds of years, Christians have relied on images to convey the accounts of the Bible — their deeper meanings intended for those who couldn’t read them for themselves — with paintings, sculpture, stained glass. As more people learned to read, pictures were used to illuminate the Bible — to connect people with the accounts more personally.
Medieval manuscripts were elaborately decorated with borders and illustrations called “illuminations.” Illuminated Psalters were popular for personal devotion. Adding illuminations to a manuscript was expensive. Some people used them to “show off” their wealthy status while others used illumination as a tool to help less-educated preachers and church members better understand the Bible. Today art is noticeably missing from Bibles — pretty much left to children’s editions. But for the much of the history of Christianity, the opposite was true! You can learn more about Illuminated manuscripts on the History Floor at Museum of the Bible.
Do you know how long it took Charles Dickens to write "A Christmas Carol?" Six weeks!
Don’t miss the opportunity to see “A Christmas Carol” in this one-of-a-kind, holiday experience that allows museum guests to interact with the characters of this classic tale. Complete with carols and crafts, this performance will delight the entire family. To purchase tickets and learn more about “A Christmas Carol,” visit: http://motb.me/l4zotd.
Inviting all people to engage with the Bible.
