Department of Antiquities of Jordan Samarqand Museum Copper Scroll Display

Grant Recipient:  San Diego Natural History Museum

As a gift to the greater San Diego community, the Waitt Foundation and its operating foundation, the Waitt Institute for Discovery, partnered with the San Diego Natural History Museum to  present one of the largest, most comprehensive collections of ancient Dead Sea Scrolls ever assembled.

Our Shared History

Dead Sea Scroll Manuscript ~ Courtesy IAA

The Dead Sea Scrolls are widely acknowledged to be among the greatest archaeological treasures linking mankind to the Middle East, and to the early years of Judaism and Christianity. Dating from the 3rd century before the common era (BCE) to the 1st century of the common era (CE), the scrolls contain some of the oldest-known copies of Biblical books, prayers, hymns and other writings. Importantly, some of the scrolls represent a stage between the ancient religion of the Bible and Rabbinic Judaism, as well as Christianity. These traditions, in turn, influenced Islam.

Copper Scroll Fragment ~ Courtesy IAA

Nearly 400,000 Visitors

Viewed by nearly 400,000 visitors, the museum exhibit included authentic scrolls, biblical manuscripts, ancient artifacts, landscape and aerial photography and interactive displays about science, discovery and exploration. Thanks to the generosity of the Israel Antiquities Authority, 24 Dead Sea Scrolls (10 exhibited for the first time ever) were on display over the course of the exhibition. The Museum also offered a robust educational program that included films, classes, audio tours, and lectures by world-class scholars and archaeologists.

About San Diego Natural History Museum

Founded in 1874 by the San Diego Society of Natural History the museum is the oldest scientific institution in southern California, and the third oldest west of the Mississippi. The museum has a three-pronged mission: to interpret the natural world through research, education and exhibits;to promote understanding of the evolution and diversity of southern California and the peninsula of Baja California; and, to inspire in all a respect for nature and the environment.

Resources/Media

San Diego Natural History Museum Web site
Dead Sea Scrolls Web site
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