“Greatest manuscript discovery of modern times!” That’s what William F. Albright exclaimed. He recognized the significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls. We are standing before the Albright Institute of Archaeological Research. It played a crucial role in the story of these scrolls.
The Albright Institute is the oldest American research center for ancient Near Eastern studies in the Middle East. It was founded in 1900. Originally, it was known as the American School of Oriental Research. In 1970, it was renamed after William F. Albright. He was a distinguished director and a father of biblical archaeology.
Today, the Albright Institute is affiliated with the American Schools of Oriental Research. There are two other affiliated institutes. They are located in Amman Jordan and Nicosia Cyprus. The Albright Institute is dedicated to studying the literature history and culture of the Near East. This includes civilizations from pre-history to the early Islamic period.
In 1948, the American School of Oriental Research played a key role. It helped in the discovery and identification of the Dead Sea Scrolls. These scrolls contain about eight hundred separate works. They were written between the 2nd century BCE and the 1st century CE. They include Jewish Bible manuscripts from that period.
A representative of Mar Samuel contacted the institute in the spring of 1948. He had purchased four ancient scrolls. He wanted to authenticate them. John C. Trever recognized the antiquity of the manuscripts. He photographed three of the four scrolls. This happened in the basement of the Albright. Conditions were not ideal. Trever sent copies to William F. Albright.
Albright sent a telegram praising the discovery. In early September 1948, Mar Samuel contacted Professor Ovid R. Sellers. Sellers focused on finding the cave where the scrolls were found. The cave was discovered on January 28 1949. Sellers took the first photos of the cave. They were published in Life magazine.
The Albright Institute continues to be involved in scrolls scholarship. The Dorot Dead Sea Scrolls fellowship was established. It enables young American scholars to work on scroll fragments. These fragments are housed in the nearby Rockefeller Museum.
The Albright’s library holds more than 20000 volumes. It is a non-circulating library. It is open to fellows and researchers in Jerusalem.
The Albright Institute also supports archaeological excavations. It was involved in the excavation at Tel Miqne-Ekron. This was a joint project with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. A monumental dedicatory inscription was discovered there. It dates to the seventh-century king of Ekron Ikausu.
The Albright Institute fosters a culture of intellectual exchange. It provides opportunities for scholars from around the world to interact. They exchange information and ideas. The Albright awards grants and fellowships annually. It supports excavation survey and publications projects.
The Albright Institute stands as a center for research. It promotes understanding of the Near East. From the Dead Sea Scrolls to ongoing excavations the Albright plays a vital role. Its legacy continues to shape our understanding of the region’s rich history.