REXBURG — A full-sized replica of the mysterious Shroud of Turin is coming to East Idaho as part of a one-day exhibit and guest lecture.

"Exploring the Mystery of the Shroud," featuring a presentation by Barrie Schwortz, a leading expert on the Shroud, and a life-size replica of this fascinating artifact, will take place at the Rexburg Romance Theater on Dec. 18.

Barrie Schwortz, the Official Documenting Photographer for the Shroud of Turin Research Project (STURP), will deliver a 90-minute video presentation live-streamed from his studio in Colorado specifically for the audience in attendance at the theater.

This event, the first of its kind in east Idaho, will provide attendees the chance to closely examine a full-scale replica of the Shroud, measuring 14 feet long and 3.5 feet wide. In addition, pottery created for the set of the TV series "The Chosen" will be displayed, offering additional cultural and historical context to the evening.

As one of the foremost experts and most sought-after speakers on the Shroud of Turin, Barrie Schwortz’s presentation will give an overview of the Shroud, its history, the extensive research that has been and continues to be done surrounding it, the growing public interest in the Shroud, information about radiocarbon dating and other dating analysis conducted on the Shroud, common misconceptions, and more.

Event producer Ben Watson intentionally scheduled the experience to coincide with the Christmas season. “In exploring the Shroud during this time of year, we can connect with the profound message of Christmas,” Watson said. “Because of the resurrection of Christ, we celebrate the birth of Christ. The Shroud of Turin captures the story of the Passion of Christ in a stunning way. Whether or not you believe it’s the authentic burial cloth of Jesus, it is breathtaking to witness this cloth up close. And having Barrie present his message to us, along with having a life-size replica of the Shroud on site for attendees to see, makes this event a noteworthy occasion.”

The Shroud of Turin, considered as one of the most studied archaeological artifacts in human history, has long intrigued scientists and theologians alike. It is believed by many to be the burial cloth of Jesus Christ, marked with the image of a crucified man. The replica on display at the event is an exact life-size representation of the original, housed in Turin, Italy, allowing attendees a rare, close-up view of this mysterious and revered artifact.

The event will be a night of discovery and reflection on one of the most intriguing and significant relics of Christian history.

While admission is free, donations are encouraged. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the Shroud exhibit while the lecture starts at 7 p.m., at the Romance Theater.

About the Shroud of Turin:

The Shroud of Turin is one of the most studied and debated artifacts in history, believed to be the burial cloth of Jesus Christ, featuring the image of a crucified man. It is a linen cloth measuring 14 ft x 3 ft 9 in that many judge to be the actual cloth that wrapped the body of Jesus in the tomb. It has been the subject of intense scientific study and religious debate for centuries.

About Barrie Schwortz:

Barrie Schwortz was the Official Documenting Photographer for the Shroud of Turin Research

Project (STURP), the team that conducted the first in-depth scientific examination of the Shroud in 1978. Today, he plays an influential role in Shroud research and education as the editor and founder of the internationally recognized Shroud of Turin Website (www.shroud.com), the oldest, largest and most extensive Shroud resource on the Internet, with more than 15 million visitors from over 160 countries. In 2009, he founded the Shroud of Turin Education and Research Association, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, to which he donated the website and his extensive Shroud photographic collection, as well as many other important Shroud resources, in order to preserve and maintain these materials and make them available for future research and study. He currently serves as the President of STERA, Inc.

About STURP:

The Shroud of Turin Research Project was a groundbreaking team of American scientists and researchers who conducted the first extensive scientific examination of the Shroud in 1978, providing a comprehensive analysis of this relic.

In 1981, STURP concluded, “The Shroud image is that of a real human form of a scourged, crucified man. It is not the product of an artist.”