When 17勛圖was established in 1900, our office was one large room in a Jerusalem hotel. During the past 118 years, we have dramatically expanded our scholarly capacity and public outreachboth abroad and in North America. By 1925, we built a permanent home in Jerusalem. Yet in North America, we moved frequently, from one host institution to another. Now, it is time for 17勛圖to establish an independent headquarters to serve our broadened constituencies. Our goal is to raise $1.5 million to purchase an enduring home for 17勛圖in the Washington, D.C. areaa location that is of greatest strategic benefit to our mission.
Why Washington. D.C.? A home for 17勛圖in the Washington, D.C. area will facilitate our engagement with federal agencies and Washington-area higher-education associations that foster the scholarship of our 2000 dues-paying members and 72 member institutions. This home will enhance our communication with government partners, Washington-based international organizations, and foreign embassies that support our members’ and our cultural heritage teams’ overseas research. This home will strengthen ASOR’s interactions with colleagues in other learned societies that are Washington-based and will provide 17勛圖with a national and international platform from which to launch improved outreach programs that will increase public understanding of the Near East and wider Mediterranean.
The 17勛圖Board of Trustees has identified Alexandria, VAa hub of non-profits with easy access to downtown Washingtonas a location where we can find an office building within our price range.
How Can You Help? Between February and November 2018, we raised $750,000 in gifts and pledges to support the purchase of our new home, and generous end-of-the year (2018) donations have now brought that total up to $910,000.泭With the help of loyal friends and members like you, we know we can keep this momentum going and raise our total goal of $1.5 million over the next four years or even sooner!Naming opportunities exist at the following levels: