Presbyterians who are heading to Minnesota for the 219th General Assembly (July 3-10) can also use the trip to take advantage of local attractions.

The Committee on Local Arrangements has identified an exhibit that might be of interest to visiting Presbyterians — the Dead Sea Scrolls.

The Dead Sea Scrolls are on exhibit at the Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul. As the oldest hand-scribed Bible, the 2,000-year-old Dead Sea Scrolls represent a story with deep religious, historic and cultural significance.

The scrolls were discovered in 1947 in caves along the shores of Israel’s Dead Sea, near the ancient settlement of Qumran. Archaeologists later excavated and pieced together thousands of the scroll’s fragments and discovered more than 900 separate documents — everything from biblical manuscripts and commentary to religious legal writings.

These archaeological treasures are truly a can’t-miss exhibit. Also included are artifacts from the famous Second Temple period, which reveal a keen insight into Israeli life during that time.

The tour concludes with a viewing of the Saint John's Bible. This piece originated in Minnesota and is the first complete, handwritten and illustrated bible to be commissioned in 500 years. A work of art, it uses ancient techniques (calf-skin vellum, quills and hand-ground pigments) to illuminate our world today presenting themes, images and technology of the 21st century.

If you go:

When: The exhibit is open daily from 9:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m., with a last admission time of 8 p.m. For less crowded tours, visits later in the day are recommended — after 1 p.m. on weekdays and after 3 p.m. on weekends. Advanced reservations are recommended. Call 651-221-9444 or purchase tickets online.

Where: The museum is accessible by car or public bus. Check the museum’s website for maps, directions and parking information.

Cost: Adults tickets are $28. Children and senior tickets are $22.