Archaeological digs in the East Midlands have turned up some interesting finds - and Mansfield Museum is giving the public the chance to have a go dureing MGM 2007.

During Museums and Galleries Month 2007 24 Hour Museum is picking out some interesting museum, gallery and heritage events from its listings ... here's a chance to get your hands dirty and learn about archaeology at Mansfield Museum.

A day full of archaeological activities including an archaeological dig, organised as part of Museums and Galleries Month 2007, is taking place at Mansfield Museum on Saturday May 12.

Happening between 10am and 2pm, ‘Archaeological People’ will include a mock dig and the opportunity to handle archaeological objects. The event will focus upon the theme of Museums and Galleries Month 2007; ‘People who are we?’ by exploring not only the role of archaeologists but also the lives of people they unearth.

Mansfield Museum has several displays featuring archaeological finds in the area. © Mansfield Museum

“It’s going to be a great family day, with lots of activities for children,” said Jodie Henshaw, Museum Development Officer, “including creating Viking jewellery, Greek vases and Roman mosaics.”

The event also highlights Mansfield Museum’s current exhibition, ‘People in Archaeology’, running until June 2 2007, which is comprised of a collection of Roman artefacts on loan from Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum.

Many of the Roman artefacts are particularly significant to the local area as they originate from nearby Mansfield Woodhouse, where the remains of a Roman Villa were discovered in the 1780’s.

© Mansfield Museum

A mock dig, which will follow a Roman theme, will involve unearthing replica archaeological objects and identifying which room in a Roman villa they originate from. One winner will receive a year’s subscription to Young Archaeologist, the magazine of the Young Archaeologists Club

There is also the chance for budding archaeologists to bring along their own artefacts to be identified by Rachel Atherton, Nottingham and Derbyshire County Finds Liaison Officer. Also on hand will be members of the Sherwood Archaeological Society, who own the majority of archaeological collections held at Mansfield Museum.

To take part in what is sure to be a highly enjoyable day for children and adults alike, contact Mansfield Museum on 01623 463088. Admission is free.

This is just one of the hundreds of listings featured on 24 Hour Museum for Museums and Galleries Month 2007. To discover more just enter MGM into the search box on this page or see the what's on page to search by date or place.

Chloé Titcomb is a Renaissance-funded student journalist covering MGM events in the East Midlands. Renaissance is the groundbreaking initiative to transform England's regional museums, led by MLA, the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.