The famed Dead Sea Scrolls, dubbed the “greatest manuscript discovery of modern times,” arrived at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley on Friday, Nov. 15, where they were uncrated after their long trip to Southern California. This return of the scrolls to the U.S. was the first in almost a decade.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute are now readying for their new exhibit, “Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition,” which opens on November 22. The exhibit celebrates the 75th anniversary of “one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in modern history,” the foundation said in a prepared statement.
Visitors will have a firsthand experience of the ancient manuscripts from the collections of the Israel Antiquities Authority. The Dead Sea Scrolls are believed to date back to about 250 BCE (Before Common Era) to 68 CE (the Common Era). They were discovered between 1947 and 1956 in caves near the Dead Sea.
Curators with the Israel Antiquities Authority unwrap wood fragments from the Ancient Galilee Boat at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Nov. 15, 2024. The Ancient Galilee Boat, also known as the Jesus Boat, is a 1st century AD fishing boat that was discovered in 1986 in Israel. The fragments will be displayed in a new exhibit, The Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition. The exhibit, opening on Nov. 22nd, will mark the Dead Sea Scrolls’ return to the U.S. for the first time in almost a decade and will celebrate the 75th anniversary of one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in modern history.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
The Psalms Scroll is displayed at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Nov. 15, 2024. The scroll is part of a new exhibit, The Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition. The exhibit, opening on Nov. 22nd, will mark the Dead Sea Scrolls’ return to the U.S. for the first time in almost a decade and will celebrate the 75th anniversary of one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in modern history.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Curators with the Israel Antiquities Authority unwrap wood fragments from the Ancient Galilee Boat at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Nov. 15, 2024. The Ancient Galilee Boat, also known as the Jesus Boat, is a 1st century AD fishing boat that was discovered in 1986 in Israel. The fragments will be displayed in a new exhibit, The Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition. The exhibit, opening on Nov. 22nd, will mark the Dead Sea Scrolls’ return to the U.S. for the first time in almost a decade and will celebrate the 75th anniversary of one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in modern history.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
The Magdala stone is unveiled at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Nov. 15, 2024. The stone will be displayed in a new exhibit, The Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition. The exhibit, opening on Nov. 22nd, will mark the Dead Sea Scrolls’ return to the U.S. for the first time in almost a decade and will celebrate the 75th anniversary of one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in modern history.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Wood fragments from the Ancient Galilee Boat are prepared for display at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Nov. 15, 2024. The Ancient Galilee Boat, also known as the Jesus Boat, is a 1st century AD fishing boat that was discovered in 1986 in Israel. The fragments will be displayed in a new exhibit, The Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition. The exhibit, opening on Nov. 22nd, will mark the Dead Sea Scrolls’ return to the U.S. for the first time in almost a decade and will celebrate the 75th anniversary of one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in modern history.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Joe Uziel explains the writings on the Psalms Scroll after it was unboxed at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Nov. 15, 2024. The scroll will be displayed in a new exhibit, The Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition. The exhibit, opening on Nov. 22nd, will mark the Dead Sea Scrolls’ return to the U.S. for the first time in almost a decade and will celebrate the 75th anniversary of one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in modern history.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Navit Popvich shows off the Magdala stone at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Nov. 15, 2024. The stone will be displayed in a new exhibit, The Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition. The exhibit, opening on Nov. 22nd, will mark the Dead Sea Scrolls’ return to the U.S. for the first time in almost a decade and will celebrate the 75th anniversary of one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in modern history.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
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Curators with the Israel Antiquities Authority unwrap wood fragments from the Ancient Galilee Boat at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Nov. 15, 2024. The Ancient Galilee Boat, also known as the Jesus Boat, is a 1st century AD fishing boat that was discovered in 1986 in Israel. The fragments will be displayed in a new exhibit, The Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition. The exhibit, opening on Nov. 22nd, will mark the Dead Sea Scrolls’ return to the U.S. for the first time in almost a decade and will celebrate the 75th anniversary of one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in modern history.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Several of the scrolls have never been shown outside of Israel. Among fragments on display is a sheet from the Great Psalms Scroll from “Cave 11,” dating to the 1st century CE that was written in square Hebrew script still in use today.
Highlights include the Magdala Stone, the Sea of Galilee Boat — known to some as the “Jesus Boat” — and artifacts that have never been shown in a tour. Created by the Israel Antiquities Authority from the collections of the National Treasures, the show is expected to draw visitors from across the U.S.
David Trulio, president and CEO of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute, said in a prepared statement, “The Dead Sea Scrolls are foundational to the development of the great monotheistic faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.”
The show features about 200 artifacts from Israel’s National Treasures of the Israel Antiquities Authority. Among the most fascinating is the Magdala Stone whose intricate carvings “showcase the earliest known synagogue images of the Temple Menorah,” the foundation said.
Another draw is the Sea of Galilee Boat, often referred to as the “Jesus Boat,” a 1st-century CE fishing boat discovered in 1986 along the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. Its reconstruction measures 27 feet in length and 7.5 feet in width and includes wood from the original vessel.
In addition, the Psalm Scroll will be on display, which has several psalms not found in the Hebrew Bible. One focuses on the wisdom of King David and describes how he was chosen and anointed as the monarch of Israel.
“We are honored that the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit’s first stop is at the Reagan Library,” says James Sanna, president and CEO of West Wall Exhibitions. “The library is known for hosting historically significant exhibitions and this one, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the ancient world, continues that tradition.”
