Penn Museum

Faced with a worsening deficit, the venerable, research-driven University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaelogy and Anthropology is seeking to reinvent itself as an updated "tourist magnet. " As an initial step, the director has laid off 18 researchers, though some may stay if grant money can be found to cover their salaries. "We were living beyond our means," said Director Richard Hodges. He said the museum's finances are unsustainable, and that the museum must refurbish its exhibits and "get its income up. " News of the potential layoffs dismayed scholars inside the museum and out. The 120-year-old Penn museum has a worldwide reputation for its scholarship and for supporting expeditions - from the tombs of Egypt to the temples of the Mayans to the remains of Babylon, Gordion and Troy.

Children have a playdate with the Sprout Network Saturday for the Super WHY Celebration at the Market & Shops at Comcast Center. Activities include storytime, and children can watch the network's favorite Super WHY episodes. There will be a meet and greet with Super WHY and Princess Presto and photo opportunities. Market merchants will have arts and crafts, kid-friendly lunch specials, an interactive gaming station, and more. Playdate is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.   KidsinCenterCity.com playdate with Sprout: The Super WHY Celebration, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday on the lower level of the Market & Shops at Comcast Center, 1701 JFK Blvd.

Having served under three different directors as deputy director of Penn Museum, I read with interest the April 6 article on the "Silk Road" exhibit ("Penn Museum director declares its abbreviated exhibit of Chinese artifacts a success"). Director Richard Hodges called the show a "success," notwithstanding the debacle over artifacts that Beijing would only allow to be shown for four weeks, not the four months that Penn Museum trumpeted. Hodges was quoted as being pleased that, with this exhibit, Penn Museum went from being a "small cog" to a "major cog" at the university.

In your years of spring cleaning, no doubt you've unearthed a strange something or two from the depths of your pantry or fridge. But that's nothing compared to the jaw-dropping food finds archaeologists discovered in recent years along the ancient trade route known as the Silk Road. Three kinds of cookies, a twisted doughnut, a spring roll, and a wonton, some dating back 2,500 years, are on display now through June 5 as part of the "Secrets of the Silk Road" exhibition at the Penn Museum.

Events are free unless otherwise indicated. Symposiums & Seminars Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern PA is hosting a few information sessions on how to become a Big Brother or Big Sister. Center City office, 123 S. Broad St., Suite 2180; 215-790-9200 or www.bbbssepa.org. 6 pm Wed•Noon Thurs•10 am Sat National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St., Independence Mall; 215-409-6700 or www. constitutioncenter.org. Reservations required. Income Tax Day, free with museum admission 9:30 am-5 pm Tues•Social Media: The New Political Battleground, 6:30 pm Thurs•One University: FDR and the Path to WWII: What We Know Now That We Didn't Know Then, Admission $89. Reservations are required at www.onedayu.com.

Friday-Saturday Sounds of the season The Philadelphia Orchestra will celebrate the holidays with "The Glorious Sound of Christmas. " Join the orchestra for favorites at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts' Verizon Hall, 300 S. Broad St. Admission: $40-$119. Time: 7 p.m. Information: 215-893-1999, www.philorch.org .   Friday Party like there's no tomorrow Join the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology as it holds a celebration for the end of the world ... 12-21-12, according to an ancient Maya calendar.

FAMILY Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta Today begins the 75th anniversary of America's biggest collegiate rowing meet. The two-day affair will dot the Schuylkill with some of the country's best rowers. Free shuttle buses run every 20 minutes from the Art Museum to the race's main attractions, including the Grand Stand. (Note: Kelly Drive is closed until 8 p.m. tomorrow between Strawberry Mansion and Fountain Green drives.) Grand Stand, 2200 Kelly Dr. (2 miles north of Boathouse Row)

Indicates wheelchair-accessible. Events are free unless otherwise indicated. Authors Margaret Thorell , "Swedes of the Delaware Valley," American Swedish Historical Museum, 1900 Pattison Ave; 215-389-1776 or www.americanswedish.org . $5 ASHM members, $10 nonmembers. 6 pm Wed. Special Events Pine Barrens Ecology & Wildlife Meet rehabilitated but nonreleasable animals & learn about Pine Barrens ecology. Bring lunch. Briar Bush Nature Center, 1212 Edgehill Rd., Abington; 215-887-6603 $40 9am-4pm Sun 2011 Summer Sampler Learn about the coming year at this evening of community, study, food, music, and more.

By Julian Siggers It's Dec. 21, and for some, that means it must be the end of the world. At the Penn Museum, where we've been presenting the exhibition "Maya 2012: Lords of Time" since May, talk of apocalyptic prophecy and consequent media coverage has been building steadily. We've certainly had our own fun with the "phenomenon," even going so far as to bring DJ Scribble out tonight for a final countdown dance party (no word yet on what that last song will be). "Maya 2012: Lords of Time" draws upon the Penn Museum's own extensive Maya scholarship and recent archaeological discoveries at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Copan, Honduras, to examine what the ancient Maya understood about time, the calendar, and the cycles of life.