CATLA Conference Recap

Here are a few notes about our recent CATLA Conference in Milwaukee.

Tour of the Learning Commons highlights:

• Cafe: attractive & convenient place to meet up with folks

• Large screen monitors for conducting searches

• Whiteboards on wheels & whiteboards built into classroom walls

• Movable pods with or without computers

• Classrooms & informal group meeting spaces

• Screen to indicate current availability of computers

Presentation by Dr. Deirdre Dempsey:

• Overview of key figures in the discovery & research of the Dead Sea Scrolls

• Discussion over the possibility that these writings came from the Essenes

• Introduction to some history & artifacts we would see at the exhibit

• Brief look at content of the Habakkuk Pesher & community rules

• Helpful resources in Dead Sea Scrolls studies

• Peek at why the Dead Sea Scrolls creates stimulating debates among scholars

DSS Exhibit at Milwaukee Public Museum:

• Historical & cultural artifacts from the time period

• Replicas of DSS and commentary provided for them

• 9 minute video teaser video
  

• Discussion of the relationship between the scrolls and scripture

• Kiosk where staff person talks about what resources the scribes used

• Displays of several different Bibles

• Area for interactive exercises & gift shop

And for those who couldn't attend, MPM has an overview guide.

Thanks to those who came! It was a great time! Looking forward to seeing you again in the fall!