"Do you think it's real?" 



What exactly is a "hall activity"? There are many 

 formats: "Fossils in the Floor" helps visitors recognize 

 animal fossils preserved in the Museum's limestone 

 floors. Using huge magnifying glasses in mounts that 

 look like small footstools, the fossils come alive before 

 your eyes. An interpreter displays other fossil speci- 

 mens on his cart and explains how the ancient ani- 

 mals and plants turned to stone. Activities in the 

 Museum's new Egypt exhibit, next to a recreated Nile 

 River marsh, involve visitors in making paper from 

 papyrus. A board holding magnetized metal hiero- 

 glyphs gives kids as well as grownups the fun experi- 

 ence of writing their own names in the same symbols 

 used by ancient Egyptians. The interpreter tells what 

 each hieroglyph symbolizes. "Adzes and Awls" is an 

 activity emphasizing how and why Native American 

 tools were used. After a demonstration by the inter- 

 preter, visitors are encouraged to try the tools and 

 offer their own ideas of what they were for. There are 

 many more, varied activities taking place throughout 

 the Museum, each offering the visitor his own 

 approach to explore and discover at Field Museum. 



Who are the Hall interpreters? These special 

 people must be enthusiastic improvisors, people who 

 enjoy people, and who are able to skillfully handle ev- 



ery kind of situation and visitor need that might arise. 

 They must become conversant with four complex dis- 

 ciplines. They have to be comfortable with a position 

 which is only part time, but demanding, and have a 

 genuine interest in what Field Museum is all about. 

 Many have college degrees in anthropology, biology, 

 or geology and some have experience in teaching, 

 theater, or occupational therapy. Some are in their 

 early twenties, others are seniors. They include an art 

 teacher, an aspiring actress, a writer, a bank em- 

 ployee, and a kindergarten teacher from Guatemala 

 working toward her Illinois certificate. Former hall 

 interpreters have gone on to graduate studies, full- 

 time employment at the Museum, the Peace Corps, 

 even a TV comedy show. 



Their diversity mirrors that of the Museum's visi- 

 tors. Because of these special people who "speak their 

 own language," visitors are finding that Field Museum 

 is indeed a warmer, friendlier place. Next time you 

 are in the Museum, be sure to look for the cheerful 

 yellow banners with the big question mark, join the 

 fun^explore, discover with us. We'll be looking for 

 you! 



"This Isn't as easy to ao as it iooKs.' 



