CHI Update: Collaborating to Protect, Preserve, and Promote Libyan Heritage
Apr. 22, 2025 | By Darren P. Ashby | 17³Ô¹ÏCultural Heritage Programs Manager
17³Ô¹Ïwas honored to welcome our Libyan colleagues, Dr. Mohammed Faraj Mohammed Al-Fallos (Chairman, Board of Directors, Department of Antiquities), Ambassador Ashraf Mohammed Eletaeb (Director, Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Mr. Rabi’i Yousef Milad (Advisor, Department of International Law and Treaties, Ministry of Foreign Affairs), and Dr. Ahmad Emrage (University of Benghazi and Member, Board of Directors, Department of Antiquities) to our office in Alexandria on April 14 for a presentation on ASOR’s Cultural Heritage Initiatives and a productive discussion on past and future collaborations to protect, preserve, and promote Libyan cultural heritage.
Executive Director Dr. Andy Vaughn (ASOR) welcoming Dr. Mohammed Faraj Mohammed Al-Fallos (Chairman, Board of Directors, Department of Antiquities).
Jared Koller (ASOR), Ahmad Emrage (Univ. of Benghazi, DOA), Fred Winter (ASOR), Amb. Ashraf Mohammed Eletaeb (MFA), Andy Vaughn (ASOR), Mohammed Faraj Mohammed Al-Fallos (DOA), Rabi’i Yousef Milad (MFA), and Darren Ashby (ASOR) at ASOR’s office.
Following our meeting in Alexandria, we all shared a fascinating tour of the Library of Congress. Thank you very much to Dr. Muhannad Salhi of the African and Middle Eastern Division for an enlightening conversation about the long history of connections between the US and Libya, the contents and management of the Library’s collection, and the story behind the construction and decoration of the Library of Congress building.
Lunch in Alexandria with the delegation and 17³Ô¹Ïstaff.
Marwa Bennaji (U.S. Embassy Libya), Dr. Muhannad Salhi (Library of Congress), and Dr. Andy Vaughn (ASOR) outside the Library of Congress.
17³Ô¹Ïstaff and Libyan colleagues receiving a tour from Muhannad Salhi at the Library of Congress.
The group with the US Capitol building in the background.
Mohammed Faraj Mohammed Al-Fallos (DOA) and Andy Vaughn (ASOR) at the Library of Congress.
