Family Activities
Family-friendly events for families with children of all ages. Looking for Summer Camp information, visit our Summer Camp page?
Unearthing People of the Ancient Maya: Bioarchaeology in Belize
October 14, 2026
12 to 1 pm
Museum Discovery Room
Isabel Lara Maldonado, Idaho State University Anthropology Program graduate student, will introduce the field of bioarchaeology and explore how bioarchaeologists use human remains to learn about the lives and experiences of the ancient Maya. Isabel will discuss what bioarchaeologists do in the field and laboratory, and how their work contributes to our understanding of the ancient Maya. Drawing from her experiences working on an archaeological project in Belize, Isabel will share what it is like to conduct bioarchaeological research in the field and in the lab. She will also discuss her ongoing research using 3D scanning and digital technology to study and preserve human remains in Belize, including the progress and discoveries from her current work.
**This presentation contains images of human remains**
Digging Up Ghosts
October 29, 2026
6 to 7 pm
Free
The Archaeology of Haunting & the Restless Dead with Dr. Andy Speer. Andy will show how archaeologists can use material culture to study the belief systems of people regarding ghosts and haunting as well as the "return of the dead." Using a combination of archaeological data with folklore/historical accounts, and ethnographic data to learn why certain locations/people are haunted by ghosts and what these beliefs say about death, memory, fear, living, and the dead.
Note: This would NOT be a question of whether ghosts exist themselves - but rather how people throughout history and across the world have responded to ghosts this.
Space is limited, RSVP is required
Your event or program registration is transferable
If you are unable to attend a workshop or program, you may transfer your registration to another person or to a different date for the same workshop or program. Transfers may take place up to one week prior to the program date. Please email your request to us. Include the order number and name of the person originally registered for the program and the name and contact information of the person taking your place.
If you must cancel:
- If you request a refund 15 or more days prior to your workshop, you will receive a full refund
- If you request a refund 8—14 days prior to your workshop, you will receive a 50% refund
- If you request a refund 7 or fewer days prior to your workshop, no refund will be issued
- If a camper or anyone in their immediate family is feeling ill, please stay home! Parents or guardians can email imnh@isu.edu or call 208-282-3168, and we will work to place you in another day of camp or workshop when you are feeling better.