Distinguished Lecture - We Start Here: The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago at 100

The University of Chicago Center in Beijing welcomed Christopher Woods, the John A. Wilson Professor of Sumerology and Director of the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago, and Jean M. Evans, Chief Curator and Deputy Director of the Oriental Institute Museum, to speak about the Oriental Institute, which celebrates its 100th year anniversary this year. Moderated by Judith Farquhar, the Max Palevsky Professor Emerita of Anthropology and of Social Sciences at the University of Chicago, the talk occurred on the evening of October 31.

Professor Woods and Ms. Evans spoke about the history of the Oriental Institute and its mission to record, document, and preserve imperiled cultural heritage, as well as educate the public through its museum displays, exhibitions, and programming. They also briefly introduced current ongoing projects in the Middle East, and how the Oriental Institute is using satellite and digital imaging methods and working with local authorities in the Middle East.

In the Q&A session following the talk, Professor Woods explained that he thinks the Oriental Institute helps tell an alternative story for the Middle Eastern countries they work in and that local authorities welcome their presence, as their work helps bring jobs and tourist resources. The University of Chicago Center in Beijing congratulates the Oriental Institute for this momentous anniversary, and wish it another successful 100 years.