Lecture – Medieval Arms Race
Throughout the Middle Ages competition between offensive and defensive arms resulted in a constant stream of innovation and evolution that resulted in the magnificent suits of armor and gracefully proportioned weapons on display in the current collection. Historian David Wise will explore the science behind the arms race including the methods used to improve the strength and durability of the materials used. Wise will also explain the evolution in design and techniques that resulted in ever improving defensive capabilities of the armor. The presentation will then conclude with some observations on the changing role of armor as the middle ages transitioned through the Renaissance and beyond.
Tuesday, April 24, 2018 – 6:30 PM
Members $12, Tickets $18
BTS – Death by Natural Causes
The things you fear the most are the least of your worries! “Death by Natural Causes” allows you to delve into those items most deleterious to your life and encounter beauty so deadly your heart may really stop.
Go behind-the-scenes with master docents and encounter a variety of live and potentially deadly creatures, while learning the difference between venomous and poisonous. Continue on to study toxic elements and minerals where dosage often determines if they are helpful or harmful.
Wednesday, April 25, 2018 – 6:00 PM
Tickets $32, Members $20
BTS – Knights
Enjoy the Knights special exhibition in the evening when the museum is closed to the public. Your master docent will take you back to the very origins of knighthood, in the days after the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. Chivalry, feudalism and knighting will be introduced alongside a wide array of weapons and armor dating back to the 14th century showing how knighthood and armor evolved through the ages.
Wednesday, April 25, 2018 – 6:00 PM
Tickets $32, Members $20.
Lecture – The Story of the Sword by Don Halter
Photo credit: KragAxe Armoury – Don Halter
Warfare changes with the technology of the day. Historian and historical bladesmith, Donald Halter, will detail the evolution of edged and blunt force trauma weapons in medieval times. This presentation will include an overview of the advancement of iron and steel from the inception of the iron age through the16th century, focusing on the production techniques and relative strengths of the steels used for various weapons used throughout this time frame. Hands-on examples of both modern reproductions as well as original artifacts will be utilized during the presentation. Halter was crowned a Forged in Fire champion on the History Channel in 2017.
Tuesday, May 01, 2018 – 6:30 PM
Members $12, Tickets $18
