As I compose this Director’s letter, I find my thoughts vacillating between the current economic challenges and anxiety about the future, and the need to write about the Museum’s upcoming programs related to the ancient world. So where do my thoughts take me? To ancient Egypt of course!

In preparation for the arrival of Tutankhamun, I have been reading up on ancient Egyptian history which has been a source of comfort in the current economic climate.  Why?  Two words...Intermediate Period. There was the flourishing economy of the Old Kingdom that saw the building of the Great Pyramids, but the First Intermediate Period of tough economic times and disarray followed it. Then the Middle Kingdom arose ushering in stability and innovation, but it too was followed by a downturn known as the Second Intermediate Period. Then the flush New Kingdom emerged followed by the chaotic Third Intermediate Period... you get it. Even as the most advanced civilization of its day, ancient Egypt had its ups and downs, over 3,000 years of them. For now, I am looking at our current situation as an intermediate period, and once weathered, means better times are ahead.  

The Education department staff, in addition to developing an incredible array of education programs around Tutankhamun and the Harry Burton exhibitions, has also been busy creating a new set of podcasts. If you haven’t visited our website lately, please do!  Our educators are also working with Emory faculty and staff to add many of the Museum’s new acquisitions to the audio guide and we hope to have these additions ready to go by early Spring, so stay tuned.

December is a great time to visit the Carlos Museum’s Bookshop. Not only will you find a unique array of books and gifts, you can also take advantage of our annual Holiday Sale.

I am delighted to report that the move to the Museum’s new storage facility was successful. This was a project of Herculean proportions, and we are grateful to Emory for assisting us in securing and building out the facility to accommodate specific climate requirements. And I am especially grateful to our staff, specifically our Registrars, Conservator, and our Curators for their time and efforts in orchestrating the many details of the move and for making the move happen in a safe, smooth, and timely manner.

All the best this holiday season and for a healthy, happy, and prosperous new year!

Bonnie Speed
Director