BRISTOL — Bristol Public Library will be hosting three Egyptian-themed programs leading up to its Author Luncheon.
Scott Stanton, assistant director of Bristol Public Library, announced the programs for this April and May at the library at 5 High St. leading up to the June 11 author luncheon at DoubleTree by Hilton.
The first program, “Mummies, Myth and Ritual,” will be held Saturday, April 11 at 2 p.m. It will be presented by Dr. Colleen Darnell.
“Mummies are synonymous with ancient Egypt,” Stanton said. “This presentation will explore ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife and the role of mummification. Learn not just how the ancient Egyptians practiced mummification, but why.”
Darnell is a former associate professor of Egyptology at Yale University and the author or co-author of seven books. She has directed an archaeological expedition in southern Egypt and curated a major museum exhibit on Egyptian revival art and design. She brings ancient Egypt to a worldwide audience through her online Egyptology program. She also appears regularly in National Geographic’s “Lost Treasures of Egypt.”
Bristol Public Library will also hold an Egyptian cuisine cooking demonstration Monday, May 11 at 2 p.m. Guests will learn how to make Egyptian Ful Madames from the A-Z World Food recipe and food culture database
“This dish of stewed fava beans is one of Egypt’s oldest and most widely eaten foods, dating back to Pharaonic times,” Stanton said. “Ful medames is a national staple, eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner and sold by street vendors throughout the country.”
A demonstration with sampling will be included.
Additionally, Bristol Public Library will offer a screening of the 2025 film “Murder at the Embassy” Thursday, May 21 at 2 p.m. The film is set in 1934 and tells the story of private detective Miranda Green’s investigation of a murder perpetrated in the British Embassy in Cairo. There, a top secret document was stolen, risking to jeopardize both Buckingham Palace and the peace of the world. The movie stars Mischa Barton, Richard Dillane and Antonia Bernath.
Admission to these three programs is free. To RSVP call 860-584-7787, ext. 3 or visit the library.
The Author Luncheon, featuring author Fiona Davis, will be held June 11 at the hotel at 42 Century Dr. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and a plated lunch will be served at noon, followed by the author presentation. A Q&A and book signing will follow.
Tickets for that event are $42 and are on sale now at bristollib.com. The order form is also available at the library Circulation Desk at 5 High St.