A three-year U.S. tour of the Mummies of Guanajuato will kick off this weekend at the Detroit Science Center. Thirty six "accidental mummies" are on loan from the Museo de las Momias in Guanajuato. Following the display in Detroit, the exhibit will travel to six other (as yet undisclosed) destinations in the United States between 2010 and 2012.
Besides the draw of the macabre, a visit to the display of the Guanajuato mummies is an educational opportunity. These naturally dessicated and preserved bodies teach us about the lives of ordinary people who lived in a city of central Mexico 100 years ago. The Detroit Science Center Web Site states:
"The Accidental Mummies of Guanajuato is a highly educational exhibition, meeting multiple objectives found in the National Science Education Standards for grades 5-12. A complete educational guide including classroom activities, historical fun facts, a glossary and more will be available to school groups visiting the exhibition."
The exhibit will also feature a section about Mexico's Day of the Dead celebrations.
Read more about the mummies of Guanajuato.