November 11-13 marked the greatly anticipated grand opening of the Lynn H. Wood Archaeological Museum. The museum exhibits for the first time to the public one of the largest teaching collections of ancient Near Eastern artifacts in North America. Dr. William G. Dever, America’s foremost Near Eastern archaeologist, placed the collection at Southern Adventist University in January 2000. Since that time careful plans have been laid for a state-of-the-art museum available to both the university and the public. The completion of Hackman Hall in October 2003, which required a great deal of collaboration, was the first phase of realizing that dream.

The strength of the collection are the complete sequences of pottery forms from the Early Bronze Age, the time of the patriarchs, all the way through the Byzantine period. “That means that for 3,500 years of history we are able to trace the development and changes in lamps, dipper, juglets, bowls, and other forms,” said Chris Chadwick, a senior archaeology major. There are also unique artifacts, such as letters written in cuneiform from Ur in Mesopotamia, a clay brick from Babylon inscribed with Nebuchadnezzar’s name, weapons of copper and iron, and even a clay chariot that is over 4,200 years old. Together they connect the visitor tangibly to a world that many have only read about in the Bible.

Over two hundred artifacts and objects are exhibited to the background of a stunning display of over 220 photographs, illustrations, maps, and original artwork that set the objects in the original context and show how they were used. “Museums today are highly interactive and we wanted people of all ages to have a captivating and educational visual experience as they journey into the biblical world,” said Giselle S. Hasel, Designer and Art Director for the Museum.

The grand opening festivities included a formal banquet with Middle Eastern cuisine followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house. Professor Dever stated in his public address at the banquet, “Over the course of my career I have had the opportunity to visit and consult for many museums around the world. This museum is exceptional because it combines the latest in museum design with a truly educational experience. The visitor will come many times and still learn more with each visit.”

During its first two days of operation, the museum experienced over one thousand visitors, many from the community. “It is nothing short of miraculous to stand in this place and see what God has made possible,” commented Dr. Jack J. Blanco, whose vision as Dean of the School of Religion gave birth to the project years ago.

The goal is to make the museum available not only to students on campus and use it as a foundation for the B.A. program in archaeology, but also to open it to the wider community and to educate and communicate the rich cultural history of the ancient Near East which serves as the foundation for Western civilization. Through scheduled lectures and changing exhibits it is hoped that as many as possible will visit the campus and be introduced to this vital discipline.” The dream has become a reality as visitors are invited with the theme of the exhibit to experience: “Vessels in Time: A Journey into the Biblical World.” For directions and hours call: 423-236-2030 in the United States of America.