Enka High School Latin students took history beyond the classroom last school year, thanks to the dedication of their teacher, Abigail Lunsford. To bring the ancient world to life, Ms. Lunsford led her students on a field trip to the Biltmore Estate exhibit of Tutankhamum: His Tomb and Treasures. The immersive experience allowed students to walk through the recreation of pharaoh’s burial chambers, which sparked curiosity about archaeology, history, and the preservation of cultural treasures.
But the learning didn’t stop there. Students also partnered with the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth in Greece to create a unique exhibit for the museum itself. Using the museum’s online catalog, students carefully selected items, researched their history, and wrote informative labels - curating a collection across the centuries.
Their project culminated in a virtual experience with the Steinmetz Family Foundation Museum Fellow, who over a Zoom meeting, provided a behind the scenes look at the exhibit’s setup, conservation efforts, and the museum’s broader mission to preserve Greek heritage. Students toured galleries, virtually asked questions about artifact care, and gained insight into the professional world of museum studies.
Ms. Lunsford said the project was about more than just learning Latin - it was about connecting past and present.
“When students see how the languages, stories, and artifacts we study still shape the world today, it makes the ancient world seem real for them,” she said.
Through these experiences, students not only strengthened their academic skills, but also discovered the excitement of historical inquiry, collaboration, and cultural exchange - lessons that will last long after the classroom bell rings.
