Date: Wednesday, February 17, 2010, 7:30 p.m.

Chapter: Oregon

Presenter: Michael Jones, Associate Director, Egyptian Antiquities Conservation Project, American Research Center in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt

Location: Smith Memorial Student Union, Rm. 228, Portland State University

Lecture is free and open to the public.

Description:

This lecture with slides will explore a critical issue in cultural heritage management in Egypt today – its sustainability in the face of the inevitable challenges that constantly affect the historic environment and the priorities of its modern inhabitants. This includes concerns about stewardship, display, presentation and use. ARCE has been privileged to work at some of the highest profile cultural and tourist sites in Egypt, from the ancient in Luxor to the modern in Cairo. Understanding the needs and agendas of the various interest groups is a crucial aspect of conservation and raises important and connected questions such as whose heritage is it and why are we conserving it.

 

Michael Jones first went to Egypt as a student in the 1970s to work on archaeological surveys and excavations at Luxor and Amarna and has since worked at numerous sites throughout the country. In the mid-1980s he moved permanently to Egypt to build a career in field archaeology and cultural heritage management. His work for ARCE began in 1996 as project manager with the team directing USAID-funded conservation projects. Since then he has directed ARCE heritage conservation projects including at the Ottoman Fort at Quseir, and St. Anthony’s and St. Paul’s Monasteries, (Red Sea Region), The “Red Monastery” (Sohag), the Tomb of Seti I (Valley of the Kings), Archaeological Monitoring of the Groundwater Lowering Project in Old Cairo, and the Roman Paintings Conservation Project in the Luxor Temple, with Chicago House. Jones is especially interested in the role of historic preservation in social and economic development and the sustainability of living heritage. His recent publications reflect the need for and implementation of comprehensive and integrated projects that combine theoretical knowledge with the collective experiences of specialists, owners and residents for effective conservation and heritage preservation.

Contact: For additional information, call (503) 725-4074.