Next Weekend at Olana

On Saturday, October 11, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., The Olana Partnership will host The Travelers and Excavations of Ancient Petra, a discussion revolving around one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and the site of one of Frederic Church's best-known paintings. Join Professor Pearce Paul Creasman for a discussion of the ancient travelers who helped bring this extraordinary site to the contemporary world’s attention as well as an exploration of the recent archaeological work shaping an understanding of Petra’s history and impact. 

“While The Olana Partnership often highlights Church’s travels to Petra in tours and programming, I’m looking forward to being joined by Dr. Creasman who will provide rich archaeological and historical context for this important site during his informative talk,” said Carolyn Keogh, The Olana Partnership’s Director of Education and Public Programming. 

Nestled in the rose-red sandstone cliffs and surrounded by the deserts of what is today southern Jordan, the archaeological site of Petra is one of humanity’s greatest architectural accomplishments. Hewn from canyon walls, the rock-cut city thrived for centuries as the capital of the ancient Nabataean people. Most often recognized by The Treasury, an enigmatic but stunning structure Frederic Church captured in his 1874 painting, El Khasné, Petra, the city sprawled for miles. 

Professor Creasman serves as executive director of the American Center of Research in Amman, Jordan. His research focuses on the heritage, archaeology, and environment of the Middle East and North Africa. With more than a hundred publications to his credit, Dr. Creasman has been recognized for his work by several institutions including: the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy, as a fellow of The Explorer’s Club, and he was honored as a “Genius” in National Geographic’s 2021 almanac. His most recent excavations are of the Treasury in Petra (Jordan) and the pyramids of Nuri (Sudan), both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

This program takes place at the Frederic Church Center for Art and Landscape. Refreshments to follow. Advanced registration required. Contact education@olana.org or visit OLANA.org to learn more.