Digging in Museums and Archives: The Ancient and Modern History of Tulane University’s Egyptian Collection

^{Dr. Nelson-Hurst received her Ph.D. in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, with a specialization in Egyptology, from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Nelson-Hurst’s research has focused on families and their influence within the state administration, office acquisition, inheritance, and family members’ obligations to deceased relatives. Since starting a new research project on the Egyptian Collection at Tulane University, her interests have expanded into the areas of Theban burials of the Third Intermediate Period and the modern history of Anthropology, Egyptology, and Egyptian collections. Nelson-Hurst is currently researching the administrative and economic roles of women in elite households during the Middle Kingdom of ancient Egypt.} 

^{During the 1840s and 1850s, George Gliddon traveled the United States, bringing with him a glimpse into the world of ancient Egypt. His collection of artifacts and mummies, which is now at Tulane University in New Orleans, has remained relatively unknown to the public and to scholars alike despite a sensational past – including having resided in a football stadium. Utilizing historical and anthropological approaches, our research project aims to solve some of the many mysteries surrounding the collection, including questions of date and provenience and how the collection came to America and found a home in New Orleans. This talk will offer a look into the collection’s colorful history, as well as discuss the project’s latest research findings.}