Kelso Museum of Near Eastern Archaeology

History

The collections of KMNEA were acquired through archaeological excavations sponsored by Pittsburgh Theological Seminary between the 1920s and the 1970s and through transfers from institutions and individuals. The museum was established in its location at PTS in 1960, and underwent a renovation in 2000 that expanded its display, storage and workspace. The Seminary's commitment to archaeology continues not only in the museum but also the work of Ron Tappy, Professor of Bible and Archaeology who currently directs the Tell Zeitah Excavations in the Shephelah of Israel.

Specialties

As a result of a long history of field work, the Kelso Museum (KMNEA) holds a significant collection of artifacts from the ancient Near East, with particular strengths in the archaeology of Israel, the West Bank, and Jordan. In the displays of KMNEA, discover a cultural crossroad that reflects the influence of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome but demonstrates as well distinctive local patterns of settlement and daily life. The museum provides tours for groups large and small and has programs for students of all ages. A lecture program brings leading archaeologists to Pittsburgh four to five times a year. All activities are free.