First-ever Classics Day to make the ancient world come alive for Cleveland-area high school students

On Friday, Oct. 13, more than 100 Cleveland-area high school students studying the Classics will come to University Circle to learn firsthand from scholars of the ancient world.

The inaugural Classics Day—a collaboration between Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) and the Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA)—will provide students with:

  • tours of the museum’s Greek and Roman galleries and special collections, including papyrus fragments and manuscripts not on public display;
  • a hands-on session with Roman coins;
  • Q&As with CWRU faculty experts and CMA curators;
  • sessions on inscriptions and other topics;
  • a scavenger hunt; and
  • a performance by a Roman legionary re-enactor.

“Our region is full of thriving programs in Greek, Latin and the Classics that serve as living proof these subjects appeal to young people,” said Peter Knox, director of the Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities and the Eric and Jane Nord Family Professor at Case Western Reserve. “We have incredible resources to share in University Circle that may help students learn more about topics they could potentially study in college.”

Students from Shaker Heights High School, Westlake High School, University School and Hawken School will participate in the Classics Day activities. Organizers hope to expand the event by inviting additional schools next fall.

The Baker-Nord Center highlights and celebrates the arts and humanities at CWRU (art history and art, Classics, English, history, modern languages and literatures, music, philosophy, religious studies and theater) through public lectures, panels, performances and special programs.


This article was originally posted Sept. 29, 2017.