The Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History announces the premiere of its new exhibit, Checkered Past: the Story of Board Games, on display from Feb. 7 to June 13. This exclusive in-house exhibit highlights the intriguing history of board games, from the games of the ancient Egyptians to the Eurogames of today.
To celebrate the opening of the exhibit, the public is invited to a free opening event on Friday, Feb. 7, at 6:30pm. A presentation by Dr. John Lenihan, professor in the Department of History at Texas A&M University, will be given at the event about the history of board games. A reception featuring wine, appetizers, live music by the Scott Kunkle Quartet, and a gallery viewing will follow.
This exhibit explores the historical traces of board games found worldwide, from ancient China and the tombs of the Egyptian pharaohs to pre-Columbian Mexico and medieval Europe. Displays feature reproductions of ancient and medieval classics alongside a colorful variety of 20th-century board games, including a rare first-edition Chutes and Ladders board (1943) and a replica of Lizzie Magie’s The Landlord’s Game (1906), the precursor to Monopoly.
Sections of the exhibit will explore the surprising spiritual or political roots of some 20th-century favorite board games and give attendees a chance to play centuries-old classics like checkers, backgammon, or chess. This exhibit features items from Cushing Memorial Library and Archives, Clockwork Games & Events in College Station, and other individual lenders.
The Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History is committed to promoting science, cultural, and natural history with the integration of arts in exhibits and educational programs. The museum is open to visitors Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10am until 5pm. For more information about this exhibit, including admission rates and other events, call (979) 776-2195 or follow them online at www.Facebook.com/brazosvalleymuseumofnaturalhistory.
