A while back, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History had an exhibit about Stabiae, called In Stabiano. (Stabiae was a small resort town near Pompeii and Herculaneum when Vesuvius erupted in 79 C.E.) The exhibit was widely advertised on television and online. I managed to be in Washington, DC, on a business trip shortly after the exhibit opened in 2005.

The Smithsonian is supposed to be one of the best museums in the U.S. The Natural History Museum was my favorite place when I was little.

I was very disappointed. The artifacts were shown in a sterile environment. The exhibit’s focus was centered around showing the architecture and the amazing quality of the finds. I only remember one plaque that mentioned the name of the person who owned the villa and it briefly mentioned the person’s name, status, family members, and a little about where he was stationed. If that information is known then why wasn’t it used to create a connection for the viewing audience?

How can people relate to artifacts without knowing how the artifacts were used and *who* used them? The exhibit did not tell a story; it was a sterile display of items to be admired like artwork devoid of cultural context.

The exhibit book, on the other hand, is fantastic and makes up for the disappointment from the exhibit itself. My advice? Skip the exhibit and get the book.

It took a while to realize how I felt about the shooting this past Sunday. More in shock than anything. I’ve been in that Church. I took classes there when I was in college on the role of the feminine in religious history called Cakes for the Queen of Heaven. I attended a service TVUUC sposonsored to help bring local clergy together from all faiths. I often when to drum circles at Westside Unitarian Universalist on the first Friday of the month to dance with the drummers (SO much fun!).

My friends were there. It wasn’t an impersonal story I could just turn off. These are people I care about and have been friends with for many years. I was worried about them and feeling helpless. These are good hearted people who have had an incredible tragedy.

I want to help them. I want to be there for them because they have been so good to me. One of my friends who helped me paint my house was at the Church. In fact, she works there. But I can’t go visit.

The TN-based mailing lists I am on have been a-buzz with stories about the congregation and what can be done to show support for them. I know my friends have support. I’ve emailed and told them they are in my thoughts. It just feels so ineffectual. I would rather show my support through actions than by writing an email.

The good thing out of this tragedy? People from many faiths are coming together in support of the TVUUC congregation. I know I would if I could be there.

The only thing I can think to do is pray and have faith.