History Channel at the Oblate!

By Rosa Vitale (University of Florence)

Do you remember your history class at school? Well, I was totally bored in it; and when I was asked to go visit a history museum I wondered if I would be able to write about a subject in which I had no confidence.

Right in the center of Florence, in the old Oblate convent, you can find a place that will convince you that knowing our past is interesting and that if you observe it more attentively, it will surprise you.

“Paolo Graziosi” Florentine Museum of Prehistory is a new way to approach kids, youth and adults in the discovery of yesterday. Founded in 1946, it was first reserved only for scholars and specialists of prehistory; 29 years later, the museum collections are finally opened to everyone!

Paolo Graziosi, the Florentine paleontoligist from whom it takes name, wanted to create a center where different objects from different parts of the world could be displayed and enumerated in Florence. He gave birth to a project that today, years after his death, continues to evolve and improve.

In addition to being a traditional museum, it is also a socially active place: it, in fact, offers diverse cultural initiatives to its citizens. From the “Museobus”, to “birthday at the museum”, to the interesting “museum goes to school”, to the fun summer workshops.

Special attention will be given to the activities during Christmas vacation from December 2011 to January 2012.

So, if I didn’t bore you too much, and if knowing that humans used to be monkeys doesn’t scare you, you should check out the website: www.museofiorentinopreistoria.it .

Open your mind to the past…in order to better understand your present!