By Sebastian Dunlap

BYU's Museum of Peoples and Cultures is sponsoring a "Survivor"-themed date night for couples at 6 and 8 p.m. today.

The museum, focusing on the study of anthropology, has been gearing up for the event for weeks.

"Date nights are a big deal for us," said Katie Criddle, promotions manager at the museum. "I think the 'Survivor' theme of this one gives it the potential to be a smashing success."

Based on elements from the popular TV show, couples will compete for prizes by participating in "challenges." In an effort to stay true to the mission of the museum, challenges teach couples in a historical context.

"We wanted to make sure people still know they are at the MPC," Criddle said. "There will be challenges like a timed hunt for shells in a sand pit, a race to pinch a pot and fix a pot, grinding corn and answering trivia questions. The activities are a great way to show participants how people lived in the past. I think our date nights present a break from the ordinary."

Recent date nights at the museum filled the museum to capacity.

"We try to accommodate everyone that wants to participate," said Tammy Messick, education coordinator for the museum. "Our space is limited. However, people should not be worried there won't be enough room. We are going to have rotating stations for the challenges. We are happy that date nights are so popular. It is a great tool to generate interest in the museum and its exhibits."

Currently, the Museum of Peoples and Cultures has two exhibits on display. One called "Seeking the Divine: Ritual, Prayer, and Celebration," and another called "Touching the Past: Traditions of Casas Grandes."

Both include items from the past showing how people lived and what they believed. Casas Grandes is the newer of the two. It is generated from Chihuahua, Mexico and parts of southern Arizona.

"One of our goals here is to teach what seemingly everyday items [pots, pans, clothes] can mean in a larger cultural context," Messick said. "I think this 'Survivor' date night is a new idea ... something that has never been done on campus. It should get a lot of people through door."

The museum is located at 100 E. 700 North, Provo. It is currently open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and until 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The museum began as a repository for the Department of Anthropology in the 1960s.

The museum is committed to exhibitions, programs and research driven by students as part of assigned class work and employment. Admission is free of charge.

Tickets for date night are $10 a couple at the Information Desk in the WSC. Reservations can be made by calling 422-4313.