Visit Ancient Israel at the Biblical History Center
Live nativities give a glimpse into the evening Jesus was born, but what was life like as he grew up? The answer can be found at the Biblical History Center in LaGrange, Georgia. The center, formerly called Explorations in Antiquity, explores life in ancient Israel during Biblical times through self-guided and guided tours, as well as special programs for children, adults and holidays.
The center has an unbelievable museum gallery of authentic antiquities on loan from the Israel Antiquities Authority. The collection is the only one of its kind in the Southeast and includes artifacts from the New and Old Testament periods. As amazing as the artifacts are, it is the interactive, life-sized re-creations of a nomadic shepherd’s camp, an authentic Roman village, and a Biblical era farm that allow visitors to truly travel back in time.
Guests can experience the daily life of a nomad under the shepherd’s goat and camel hair tent. Help pinch out dough and bake bread over an open fire during the bread-making tour. Send the young ones to the temporary sheep fold to see where the animals would live. Watch the activity of the town from the rooftop of an authentic village home. Visit the Roman market, where you can weigh purchases to ensure you aren’t being cheated, or my son’s favorite, push a heavy stone grain wheel. All of these interactive elements are part of the permanent garden-style exhibit. Young guests can even participate in an authentic archaeological dig.
The Holidays at the Biblical History Center
During the month of December, trace the journey of Mary and Joseph as they travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
To follow the path of Mary and Joseph around Atlanta, see a list of Live Nativities on Field Trips with Sue.
