UNEARTHING THE PAST SINCE 1900
  • BECOME A MEMBER
  • RENEW
  • GIVE NOW
  • SEARCH
  • ONLINE PORTAL
  • American Society of Overseas Research (ASOR)American Society of Overseas Research (ASOR)
  • ABOUT
    • WELCOME FROM ASOR OFFICERS
    • FACTS & FIGURES
    • MISSION, BYLAWS, & STRATEGIC PLAN
    • HISTORY OF ASOR
    • COMMITTEES
    • POLICIES
    • FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS
    • ARCHIVES
    • AFFILIATED PROJECTS
    • AFFILIATED RESEARCH CENTERS
    • ASOR’s Honors and Awards
    • CONTACT US
  • CULTURAL
    HERITAGE
    • ABOUT CULTURAL HERITAGE INITIATIVES
    • UPDATES
    • TUTORIALS
    • Who We Are
  • ANNUAL
    MEETING
    • REGISTRATION
    • HOTEL RESERVATIONS
    • ANNUAL MEETING SCHEDULES
    • SPONSOR & EXHIBIT
    • ASOR Online Library
    • HONORS & AWARDS
    • ANNUAL MEETING SCHOLARSHIPS
    • PAST & FUTURE ANNUAL MEETINGS
  • MEMBERSHIP
    & RESOURCES
    • INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIPS
    • INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
    • NEWS@ASOR
    • PAST ASOR NEWS, MONTH BY MONTH
    • ONLINE RESOURCES
    • PHOTO COLLECTION
    • EARLY CAREER MEMBER RESOURCES
  • FELLOWSHIPS
    & GRANTS
    • SCHOLARSHIPS FOR FIELDWORK PARTICIPATION
    • GRANTS FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECTS
    • RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS FOR MEMBERS
    • MEMBERSHIP & ANNUAL MEETING SCHOLARSHIPS
    • ASOR-AFFILIATED RESEARCH CENTERS FELLOWSHIPS
    • OTHER FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS
  • PUBLICATIONS
    • BOOK SERIES & MONOGRAPHS
    • BULLETIN OF ASOR
    • JOURNAL OF CUNEIFORM STUDIES
    • MAARAV
    • NEAR EASTERN ARCHAEOLOGY
    • THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST TODAY
    • LEVANTINE CERAMICS PROJECT
  • FRIENDS
    OF ASOR
    • Webinars
    • TOURS
    • THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST TODAY
    • ASOR ONLINE LIBRARY
  • Donate
    • FY24 HONOR ROLL OF DONORS
    • LIFETIME HONOR ROLL OF DONORS
    • ASOR LEGACY CIRCLE
    • WAYS TO DONATE

 SHARE

 
 
 
 
 

NEWS@ASOR E-NEWSLETTER

ANCIENT NEAR EAST TODAY E-NEWSLETTER

PAST ASOR NEWS, MONTH BY MONTH

ASOR LEGACY CIRCLE MEMBERS

LIFETIME HONOR ROLL OF DONORS

FY24 HONOR ROLL OF DONORS

ASOR ANNUAL MEETING

Message from ASOR’s Board Chair

Dear ASOR friends:

In about 6 weeks, we will conclude another successful ASOR fiscal year (June 30). This year, by working together, we have made substantial progress in increasing ASOR’s capacity to fulfill our mission in the face of unexpected headwinds.

You, as an ASOR member and friend, support our solid foundation—strong publications, an engaging annual meeting, enhanced support for fieldwork, and careful stewardship of funds. Conflicts around the world continue to impact our annual meeting attendance and will affect summer fieldwork opportunities. Nevertheless, your membership and gifts advance our shared goals.

This year, 2025, marks the conclusion of one major initiative and the beginning of another.

On Saturday evening of the Annual Meeting in Boston, we will celebrate ASOR’s 125th anniversary and the successful completion of the $5 million ASOR 2025 campaign. So far, you have helped us raise $4.6 million. We’re nearly there! Your support of this fundraising initiative enables ASOR to thrive and innovate despite challenges to the humanities and threats to cultural heritage around the world. Discounted tickets for the anniversary celebration are available, and we encourage all friends, members and supporters to join us.

As the ASOR 2025 fundraising effort winds down, we have already begun another key initiative: to update our strategic plan for the years 2026 – 2030. Our President, Sharon Herbert, and President-Elect, Jane DeRose Evans, are leading a task force to consult members, develop the plan, and send it to the Board of Trustees.

As we near the end of the fiscal year (June 30), I ask you to consider an unrestricted gift to ASOR. We are currently about $40,000 short of our Annual Fund goal of $140,000. The Annual Fund allows ASOR to deliver its programs effectively. Changes to federal grants impact staff support and our cultural heritage work, so your participation is even more important this year.

If you have already contributed this fiscal year, thank you. If you haven’t yet made a gift (or if you have contributed but can make another gift to help at this challenging time), I hope you will join me in giving before June 30. I deeply appreciate your support.

Best regards,


Sheldon M. Fox
Chairman, Board of Trustees

BROWSE THE NEWS ARCHIVE

  • Table of Contents for Near Eastern Archaeology 88.2 (2025)
  • McKinley Tech Turns Cemeteries into a Living Classroom
  • Don’t Miss It! —ASOR’s 125th Anniversary Celebration
  • Fieldwork Report: Gabbi Graber

Latest Posts from @ASORResearch

asor_research

Initiating and supporting research of the history and cultures of the Near East and wider Mediterranean world.


To start off our new series of #ObjectoftheWeek: F
To start off our new series of #ObjectoftheWeek: Funerary model of cow giving birth. Probably from Meir, Egypt, c. 2040 – 1985 BCE. Royal Ontario Museum 910.18.16.1. Photo courtesy of ROM: https://collections.rom.on.ca/objects/184967


What is a god? While the question is simple enough
What is a god? While the question is simple enough, the answer depends on context and perspective. Read the first article in a 4-part series by Michael Hundley in the newest Ancient Near East Today by clicking the link (https://anetoday.org/god-ancient-near-east/) in our bio.


Make sure to join ASOR this Saturday, June 28, for
Make sure to join ASOR this Saturday, June 28, for this year's DC Day of Archaeology Festival at Tudor Place in Washington, DC. Stop by the event organized by @aitc_dc from 10AM to 3PM for music, food, and fun activities!


This spring, McKinley Tech High School students ex
This spring, McKinley Tech High School students explored Black Georgetown’s legacy at Mt. Zion–Female Union Band Historic Memorial Park. Through virtual reality and archaeological research, the program encouraged students to engage with the history of Black communities and experiences in Washington, D.C. Read the story by clicking the link (https://www.asor.org/news/2025/06/mckinley-tech-mt-zion) in our bio!


ASOR is now offering affiliation to civil society
ASOR is now offering affiliation to civil society organizations and conservation projects as a way for them to be part of the ASOR community. Applications are reviewed by ASOR’s Cultural Heritage Committee. ASOR-affiliated projects are eligible for Shepard Urgent Action Grants. Learn how to apply for affiliation with the link in our bio.


Check out the special June issue of NEA 88.2 on on
Check out the special June issue of NEA 88.2 on one of the most famous sites in the ancient Near East—Megiddo. Read the Table of Contents by clicking the link (https://www.asor.org/news/2025/06/nea88.2-toc/) in our bio.


ASOR CHI was delighted to participate in this year
ASOR CHI was delighted to participate in this year’s Arab Network of Civil Society Organizations to Safeguard Cultural Heritage (ANSCH) Conference on May 28–29. ASOR spoke on the types of free resources available through ASOR for civil society organizations in the region, including tutorials for cultural heritage surveys, funding through Shepard Urgent Action Grants, and the ability to join the ASOR community as affiliates. Read more by clicking the link (https://www.asor.org/chi/updates/2025/06/asor-ansch-conference) in our bio.


ASOR has turned 125—and you’re invited to join
ASOR has turned 125—and you’re invited to join the celebration by participating in a special dinner event on Saturday night at this year’s Annual Meeting in Boston!

We’ll be kicking off the festive occasion at 6:45 pm on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Hilton Boston Park Plaza. Join us for an evening of great dining, entertainment, and ASOR-themed activities, as well as speakers who have been part of ASOR’s mission. Regular dinner tickets cost $100, but to ensure that everyone can attend, we are offering discount codes for reduced ticket prices of $25 and $50. Read more and register for the event by clicking the link in our bio!


In ancient Egypt, marriage was key to establishing
In ancient Egypt, marriage was key to establishing a household. What were the expectations of wives and what do we know about women’s rights when entering into—or leaving—marriage? Read the newest ANE Today by Alison Wilkinson by clicking the link (https://anetoday.org/ancient-egypt-marriage/) in our bio.


Gabbi Graber, a 2024 Stevan B. Dana Fieldwork Scho
Gabbi Graber, a 2024 Stevan B. Dana Fieldwork Scholarship recipient, excavated at Tel Burna in the Shephelah hills of Israel. Drawing from personal reflections and field experience, Gabbi shares what it was like to dig in this storied landscape. Read her fieldwork report by clicking the link (https://www.asor.org/news/2025/05/fieldwork-report-graber) in our bio.


As you embark on fieldwork and research this summe
As you embark on fieldwork and research this summer, ASOR invites you to make submissions to our Virtual Archaeology Initiative. The Virtual Archaeology Initiative is a growing collection of digital resources that illustrate or teach various steps involved in the archaeological process. Read more about the initiative by clicking the link (https://www.asor.org/news/2025/06/virtual-archaeology-initiative-submissions) in our bio. Submissions can be sent to info@asor.org.


Check out the May issue of Bulletin of ASOR 393, w
Check out the May issue of Bulletin of ASOR 393, with fascinating articles like Nabatean Tent Sites on the Ruhot Plain, Central Negev, and Nomadic Visibility; Olive Oil Production in the North-East Temple of Canaanite Lachish; Qaṭrāyīṯ and the Linguistic History of Ancient East Arabia, and much more. Read the Table of Contents by clicking the link (https://www.asor.org/news/2025/05/basor393-toc/) in our bio.


Friends of ASOR is pleased to share information on
Friends of ASOR is pleased to share information on BASONOVA & BAF lectures. On Tuesday, June 10 at 8pm ET via Zoom, Elizabeth Bloch-Smith (Princeton Theological Seminary) will present "Hearing the Voices of the Dead in Ancient Israel". The witch of Endor was consulted by Saul to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel. This presentation examines the Zeitgeist and theology behind Isaiah 8, where the deceased Samuel speaks to King Saul (1 Samuel 28), and alongside considers tales of the talking dead from Mesopotamia, Hatti (Hittites) and Greece. Register here: https://basonova.org/next-lecture-reservation.html


Dominique Langis-Barsetti, a 2024 Katherine Barton
Dominique Langis-Barsetti, a 2024 Katherine Barton Platt Fieldwork Scholarship recipient, excavated with the Kerkenes Project in the central Anatolian plateau last spring. As an associate director on the project, Dominique encountered various situations that required her to overcome logistical and environmental challenges with quick thinking and creativity. Read her fieldwork report by clicking the link (https://www.asor.org/news/2025/05/fieldwork-report-langisbarsetti) in our bio.


ASOR invites members to submit poster proposals fo
ASOR invites members to submit poster proposals for the Poster Session as part of the 2025 ASOR Annual Meeting. Posters are an ideal format for presenting archaeological projects in general, a technical aspect of your project, or a spectacular find from the field season. Poster abstracts of 250 words may be submitted in the ASOR Abstract Center between now and August 1. Please read the Call for Posters (https://www.asor.org/am/2025/posters-2025) by clicking the link in our bio.


Once believed to be the location of Herod’s Augu
Once believed to be the location of Herod’s Augusteum, the cave at Paneas has yielded up some surprising discoveries following recent excavations. Read the newest ANE Today by Adi Erlich and Ron Lavi by clicking the link (https://anetoday.org/pan-grotto-paneas/) in our bio.


Join ASOR for this year's DC Day of Archaeology Fe
Join ASOR for this year's DC Day of Archaeology Festival, organized by @aitc_dc, on Saturday, June 28 at Tudor Place in Washington, DC. Stop by the event for music, food, and activities, and make sure to check out ASOR's table!


Christos Theodorou received a 2024 Meyers/Wright F
Christos Theodorou received a 2024 Meyers/Wright Fieldwork Scholarship to excavate at Kissonerga-Skalia, Cyprus. Read about his experience excavating a Bronze Age oven by clicking the link (https://buff.ly/CN3yM5h) in our bio.


Starting next Friday, May 30th, ASOR staff will be
Starting next Friday, May 30th, ASOR staff will be holding summer hours until Labor Day, September 1st. If you need to contact the office, please do so during normal business hours Monday–Thursday or before 12:30pm EDT on Fridays. We wish you all a productive and relaxing summer!


ASOR announces a general call for nominations and
ASOR announces a general call for nominations and applications for individuals to be considered for the position of Vice President. This is a three-year term of office beginning on January 1, 2026 and ending on December 31, 2028. Nominating an officer is an important way for members to participate in the governance of their organization, and we encourage you to self-nominate or nominate others. Review of applications and nominations will begin on August 15, 2025. Click the link in our bio for more details on the duties of the position and how to submit nominations.



Instagram

Stay updated with the latest insights, photos, and news by following us on Instagram!

Follow Us on Instagram

American Society of Overseas Research
The James F. Strange Center
209 Commerce Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

E-mail: info@asor.org

© 2025 ASOR
All rights reserved.
Images licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License

Contact Us
Membership
Give
Friends of ASOR
ASOR Cultural Heritage Initiatives
Terms of Use
News

Please follow & like us :)
Facebook
YouTube
LinkedIn