AMELIA EDWARDS PROJECTS LAUNCH - Presentations and reception following the Deir el-Medina study day October 25, 2008

At the Annual General Meeting of the EEF in 1885, Amelia Edwards addressed the membership as follows:

“Our work of exploration on Egyptian sites is of paramount interest in the estimation of a very large proportion of our supporters. Much has been done ... but ten times - or twenty times - as much work remains to be done ... I therefore very earnestly entreat you to help us in this direction.”

Egypt remains as threatened today as it was in Miss Edwards’ time and in the spirit of her appeal to subscribers over a century ago we would like to invite you, our members, to become personal supporters and patrons of individual projects which will help preserve Egypt’s heritage and maintain Miss Edwards’ legacy. As this will be a new way of funding our work, and to emphasise the fact that the Society has always relied on the generosity of its members to support its endeavours, these projects will collectively be known as the ‘Amelia Edwards Projects’.
Each will have a clearly defined goal, something that can be achieved within a short space of time and for a relatively small amount of money. The projects will be distinctive from the Society’s major ventures, but nonetheless in line with its mission statement, established research identity and strategy for the future. They will not receive funding from the Society’s Excavation, Centenary or Lucy Gura Funds; the funding for each will be drawn entirely from members’ contributions. Any project that does not receive sufficient contributions will be postponed or abandoned.
The inaugural projects will be launched after the Deir el-Medina study day to be held at SOAS on 25 October. The project directors will present their proposals following the lectures, and afterwards members will have the opportunity to discuss the proposed work with those involved at an informal reception in the Brunei Suite at SOAS.

The projects are as follows:

Gebel Ramla: understanding Quesna archaeological area in its wider context
Project Director: Joanne Rowland
Karnak Land- and Waterscapes Survey – 2008-09 study season
Project Director: Angus Graham
Oral History of Egyptology
Project Director: Christopher Naunton

Official Website: http://www.ees.ac.uk/fieldwork/otherprojects.htm