History on Tap: Meditations on Noah’s Ark: A Long-Time Teacher of Ancient History and an Ancient Mariner Himself Takes a Look

"The story of Noah’s Ark as offered in the Bible is simply incompatible with existing science and the archaeological record. But Larry Brown (Sunday columnist, Cape Cod Times) has always believed there is a kernel of truth to it—the memory of something catastrophic that once wiped out much of the human race. It would have been the survivors who told the story of a great flood and passed down how they were descended from those who endured it. That part, at least, is real. The oldest surviving written story, The Epic of Gilgamesh, dating back to ancient Sumer, also contains a flood account. It includes a celestial warning to build a boat, instructions to bring animals aboard, and even the sending of a dove to see if the waters had receded. Since the ancient Hebrews preserved the biblical version, Larry looks to their historical experiences for possible inspiration behind the details of the Ark. To explore this, Larry examines Mesopotamia—particularly the Marsh Arabs—and what captive Hebrews may have witnessed in Egyptian engineering, including massive barges capable of towing two obelisks at a time along the Nile River. Part of our History on Tap series—join us for an evening of local history, conversation, and craft brews. Admission: $10 per person / $5 for members Must be 21+ to sample beer; IDs will be checked at the door. Enjoy craft beer from our sponsor, Cape Cod Beer, along with cheese, crackers, water, and non-alcoholic beer options. We highly recommend reserving your tickets on our website in advance. Popular events often sell out quickly, and we cannot always accommodate walk-ins. Don’t miss out—plan and secure your spot! "