Have you ever wondered what it was like to live centuries ago—to make ink by hand, fire a trebuchet, or tell time using the moon? Thanks to a unique collaboration between UTA Libraries and the Department of History and Geography, you can experience it all firsthand at the upcoming Time Traveler Faire April 23. 

This immersive, daylong event brings history to life through interactive exhibits, hands-on activities and scholarly storytelling. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the UTA campus will transform into a portal to the medieval and early modern worlds, offering attendees a chance to see, touch, and try out technologies and traditions from the past. 

The journey begins at 10 a.m. at College Park Center (600 S. Center Street), where guests will witness a working replica of a volvelle—a 1534 astrological device used to tell time at night by aligning the moon’s shape and hour. 

As Dr. Kimberly Breuer, Associate Professor of Instruction, explains, “Items like the volvelle make the past feel real. The Central Library’s FabLab plays an essential role in student learning by enabling them to recreate and explore historical tools—it’s a central theme of the Time Traveler Faire.” 

From 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the Central Library becomes a bustling hub of historical craftsmanship. Visitors can try their hand at gold leafing bookmarks, woodblock printing, quill and ink making. Though some modern materials will be used, the spirit of historical authenticity remains front and center.  

Meanwhile, across campus at the Intramural Fields (1100 Maverick), another part of the faire will showcase medieval fashion, food, manuscript design and a true crowd-pleaser: a working trebuchet. 

“The first firing happens at 11 a.m.,” Dr. Stephanie Cole, Associate Professor, said. “At noon, we’ll host a friendly ‘Trebuchet Challenge’ between the History and Engineering departments. We’ll be launching melons at a wall created by Dr. Breuer’s Spain and Portugal class. We are buying melons in large quantities, and we intend to fire many of them." 

A shuttle bus will be available to transport attendees between the Central Library and the Intramural Fields throughout the event. The bus will leave from Pickard Hall at the corner of West and Nedderman Streets.   

The festivities conclude with a reflective and inspiring finale from 2 to 5 p.m. in Special Collections on the sixth floor of the Central Library. Visitors can take a guided tour of the Cosmic Cartography exhibit, which showcases maps and charts from 1548 to the present—a fascinating look at how humans have tried to chart and understand the universe. 

Before the main event, a chainmail-making workshop will take place in the FabLab from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 22. Students will learn about the history of chainmail and how to make it. A chainmail-making demonstration will also happen at the Time Traveler Faire between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. April 23 in the FabLab.   

As Jeffrey McCulley, FabLab Operations Technician, points out, the Time Traveler Faire is about more than just exploring history—it’s also about building community and embracing hands-on learning and the FabLab allows that to happen.  

“Makerspaces like the FabLab are incredible for bringing people together. Students come into work on projects, collaborate or just explore,” McCulley said. “Events like this connect people with the Libraries in meaningful ways, showing them what’s possible when creativity meets academic discovery.” 

So, whether you’re a history buff, a student looking for inspiration, or simply curious about the past, the Time Traveler Faire offers something truly special. Come explore, experiment, and experience the power of the past—right here at UTA. See you there.