Games aren’t just fun—they’re a gateway to cultural exploration, critical thinking, and creativity. This engaging webinar introduces the concept of archaeogaming, where archaeology and play intersect to spark discovery and connection. Learn how libraries can harness both digital and tabletop games to bring the ancient world—and cultural interpretation—to life for patrons of all ages. We’ll explore standout titles like Never Alone, Assassin’s Creed, Heaven’s Vault, No Man’s Sky, Civilization VI, and Pentiment, alongside a variety of program-ready ideas such as Play & Learn Game Nights, Virtual Digs and Alien Archaeology, Decode the Past: Ancient Language Challenges, and History vs. Game Night. Whether you’re a gamer or not, you’ll leave with hands-on ideas and accessible tools to build engaging, culturally rich programs rooted in play.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Define archaeogaming and identify its educational potential for cultural and historical engagement in library settings.
2. Evaluate a range of games for their cultural content, design potential, and relevance to different audiences.
3. Develop archaeogaming programs that blend storytelling, history, and critical thinking—no gaming expertise required.

About the Instructor

Ellyssa Valenti Kroski is the Director of Innovation & Engagement at the New York Law Institute as well as an award-winning editor and author of 77 books. She is a librarian, an adjunct faculty member at San Jose State University, and an international conference speaker. She can be found at: https://www.amazon.com/author/ellyssa.

Registration through the Long Island Resources Council (LILRC) here.