In the fall of 1958, the first issue of Expedition magazine was published by the Penn Museum. Contents included an article by Rodney Young on the excavation of the Midas Mound at Gordion, a recounting by Marianne Stoller of early voyages to Pacific islands, and news about an important Maya monument recently unearthed by Edwin Shook at Tikal.
An editorial by Froelich Rainey, then Director of the Museum, noted that Expedition would replace the University Museum Bulletin. This new magazine was designed not as an academic journal for scholars but as a way to communicate the Museum’s work to our visitors and supporters. At that time, archaeology and anthropology were beginning to capture the public’s imagination. Rainey wanted us to contribute to this renewed interest in the ancient and modern world.
Sixty years later, we continue to tell stories about Museum excavations and anthropological research. Sometimes we explore new ground, but often our research is within the Museum, as we rediscover and reinterpret objects in our collection. The current issue includes new findings on a bronze belt prominently displayed in our Etruscan Gallery, an exploration of the history and significance of 17th-century Japanese funerary lanterns that enhanced the Museum entrance in the 1930s, and a discussion of the evidence of disease that can be uncovered in the study of Egyptian mummies.
As Expedition enters its 61st year, please let us know what you enjoy about your magazine and how we can add even more content to help you explore our world. Call me at 215.898.4124 or write me at jhickman@ upenn.edu. I look forward to hearing from you.
JANE HICKMAN, PH.D.
EDITOR