Discover the world of arms and armor, ranging from the Romans to medieval knights and beyond. These interactive programs will vary from formal demonstrations to interpretive displays that share deeper examinations of the soldiers that used them. All the programs described below are available for private group bookings.
2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month
Times and locations vary—please check our calendar for the latest schedule. Free with Museum admission.
General Presentation
Medieval Armor
The knight in shining armor conjures hundreds of images and captures the imagination. While the Middle Ages lasted roughly one thousand years (500-1500 CE), the steel plate armor associated with the knight was only in use from 1350 CE onwards. What were its strengths? What were its weaknesses? Learn about the arms and armor used by knights and soldiers of the past in this interactive program. Recommended for ages 6+.
Costumed Interpretive Presentations
Roman Soldier
What was it like to be a soldier? How did one live? What was the equipment like? Learn about the Roman Empire from one of its miles gregarious or common soldiers. Volunteer to help the miles show the audience just how effective he and his equipment could be.
Recommended for ages 10+.
The Viking Age
Barbarians! Pirates! Traders! Explorers! These are terms used to describe the Norse people who, without warning, exploded out of Northern Europe into the consciousness of the world beyond. Unifying the royal authority of England while weakening that of France, the consequences of this period set the stage for much of the Middle Ages. Explore the world of the Vikings through their weapons, armor, and more.
Recommended for ages 12+.
Gothic Knight
In the 15th Century, knightly plate armor became the standard for protection, and it also was the last century to see the knight as the dominant player on the battlefield. Discover how useful armor really was and the changing nature of the world in which it was used in.
Recommended for ages 10+.
14th Century Knight
Why did knights change from using chainmail armor to plate? What were some of the causes? How did the armors work? These are just some of the questions that will be answered in this presentation, a show focusing on the evolution of Knightly armor from the mail armor of the Crusades to articulating plate of the Late Middle Ages.
Recommended for ages 10+.
