Ep 20. Tingling

In Mysteries at the Museum Season 5 Episode 20, titled "Tingling," host Don Wildman takes viewers on a journey through history to uncover the stories behind some of the world's most fascinating artifacts. From the Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach to the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., Wildman explores artifacts that have been known to cause a mysterious "tingling" sensation in those who come into contact with them.

The first artifact Wildman investigates is a pair of shrunken heads on display at the Aviation Museum. These grisly artifacts were once used by the Jivaro tribe in Ecuador as trophies of war, but when an American journalist acquired them in the early 20th century, they became a sensation in the United States. Wildman delves into the history of the shrunken heads, exploring the cultural beliefs that led to their creation and the controversy surrounding their display in modern times.

Next, Wildman travels to the National Museum of American History to investigate a curious artifact known as the "Death Mask of George Washington." This plaster cast of the first president's face became a popular souvenir in the mid-19th century, but its origins were shrouded in mystery. Wildman uncovers the story of French artist Jean-Antoine Houdon, who was commissioned by Washington himself to create a life mask of his face. The death mask, created after Washington's death, was given to Houdon as a reference for the elaborate statue he was crafting in his honor.

Another artifact on Wildman's list is an ornate, golden sarcophagus on display at the National Museum of Natural History. This burial object is the final resting place of an ancient Egyptian priestess named Henutmehyt, but it also holds a dark secret. For many years, museum visitors have reported strange sensations and unexplained tingling when standing near the sarcophagus. Wildman explores the superstitions and legends surrounding the "curse of the mummy," and the scientific explanations that may reveal the truth behind the eerie experiences reported by visitors.

As Wildman continues his investigation, he comes across a mysterious egg-shaped object at the National Air and Space Museum. This artifact, known as the "cosmic egg," was discovered in a remote area of the Australian outback in the early 20th century. It was believed to be a meteorite, but its strange shape and unusual composition have confounded scientists for decades. Wildman explores the theories behind the cosmic egg's origin, including the possibility that it may be an alien artifact.

Finally, Wildman concludes his investigation at the National Museum of American History, where he uncovers the story of a vanishing pen. This ordinary-looking pen was once used by President Lyndon B. Johnson to sign several historic documents, but it disappeared without explanation in the 1960s. Wildman delves into the mystery of the missing pen, exploring the theories behind its disappearance and the forensic evidence that may shed light on its fate.

Throughout the episode, Wildman uses his expertise and insight to explore the mysteries behind each artifact. From ancient curses to mysterious objects from outer space, "Tingling" is a thrilling exploration of some of the most fascinating and enigmatic artifacts in the world.