MONMOUTH, Ill. — Eighteen Monmouth College students traveled to Chicago's Field Museum on March 18 to view the special exhibit "Pompeii: Stories from an Eruption."

Led by classics professor Thomas Sienkewicz, music/education professor James Betts, classics lecturer Vicki Wine and history lecturer Tom Best, the trip was arranged by MC's Department of Classics through the Western Illinois Society of the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA).

Prior to viewing the exhibit, the group attended a private lecture by Cheryl Jennison, Field Museum curator for the Pompeii exhibit, arranged through the assistance of the AIA.

Participating students included English major Sarah Sherry who said, "I thought the exhibit was enlightening, and I really enjoyed seeing the artwork. One of my favorite pieces was the fresco of Apollo."

Latin student Catie Bartunek remarked, "It was amazing to see 2,000-year-old history from across the world come alive just a few hours from here. I enjoyed getting a glimpse of what life was like through the few pieces of art that survived."

Political science major Dan Bliss noted that "As a non-classics major, it was an outstanding opportunity to step outside of the box and experience what an important and spectacular tragedy that happened in Pompeii."

Also accompanying the group were faculty and students from Augustana College and MC alumna Sylvia Zethmayr Shultz ’90.

Released by the Office of College Communications
Barry McNamara, Associate Director of College Communications
Phone: 309-457-2117
Fax: 309-457-2330