MACON, Ga. — Mercer University’s Tarver Library will open a new exhibit from the Holmes Holy Land Ancient Artifact Collection titled “Let There Be Light! Ancient Illumination in the Lands of the Bible” on Oct. 23.
The collection includes 317 ancient lamps of various styles and periods from Egypt and the Ancient Near East, 48 of which will be on display for this exhibit. Dr. Janell Johnson, associate professor of religion, and Dr. Robert Scott Nash, professor emeritus of New Testament in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, will be featured speakers.
“The Holmes Holy Land Ancient Artifact Collection holds one of the largest collections of ancient oil lamps in the United States,” Dr. Nash said. “The lamps make up almost a third of the entire collection.”
Dr. Jeff Waldrop, vice provost for the University libraries, said as a historian, he recognizes the challenge of making the past come alive for students.
“The Mercer community is able to experience, and to appreciate firsthand, the richness and complexity of ancient cultures thanks to the Holmes Holy Land Ancient Artifact Collection, generously donated by Dr. and Mrs. Y. Lynn Holmes,” said Waldrop. “This year’s topic demonstrates the incalculable value of curating such a fine collection.”
The event begins at 6 p.m. on the library’s second floor and is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be available after the lectures. For more information on the exhibit or the events, contact Dr. Daniel W. Williams, University archivist and head of archives, special collections and digital initiatives at (478) 301-2493 or williams_dw@mercer.edu.
