Mummies, Myth, and Ritual
Dr. Colleen Darnell
Egyptologist, author, and educator
Mummies are synonymous with ancient Egypt, but did you know they meant much more than just preserving a body for eternity? Join Dr. Colleen Darnell for an engaging exploration of ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife and the role of mummification. Learn not just how the ancient Egyptians practiced mummification, but why.
Meet Colleen Darnell
Dr. Colleen Darnell is a former Associate Professor of Egyptology at Yale University and the author or co-author of seven books, including a study of historical fiction written in ancient Egypt. She has directed an archaeological expedition at a site in southern Egypt and curated a major museum exhibit on Egyptian revival art and design entitled “Echoes of Egypt: Conjuring the Land of the Pharaohs.” Darnell brings ancient Egypt to a world-wide audience through her live, online Egyptology program, which she founded in 2021. In the past five years, she has taught over three hundred people how to read hieroglyphs. She appears regularly on National Geographic’s “Lost Treasures of Egypt.”
Program Schedule
- 5:00pm: Doors open—explore Cranbrook Institute of Science, including our newest traveling exhibit Mystery of the Mayan Medallion, and enjoy light refreshments (all included with your event admission!)
- 6:00pm: Presentation and Q&A with Dr. Colleen Darnell
- 7:00pm: Continue exploring the exhibits
- 8:00pm: Event concludes
General Public Admission
- Adults: $15
- Children Ages 2–12: $10
- Children Under 2: Free
Cranbrook Institute of Science Member Admission
- Adults: $12
- Children Ages 2-12: $7
- Children Under 2: Free
About the Women in Science Speaker Series
The Women in Science Speaker Series is made possible by the annual Cranbrook Institute of Science Women Rock Science fundraiser. Thank you to our generous sponsors, donors, and ticketholders for supporting STEAM education. Stay tuned for more details on the 2026 Women Rock Science event!
The Women in Science Speaker Series is recommended for ages 12 and up.