These video lectures and podcast interviews featuring noted authors and experts in the field of cultural heritage preservation are produced by members and friends of SAFE. We welcome your suggestions.
Richard Leventhal on cultural heritage
With an impressive background that speaks for itself, Professor Richard Leventhal does not overlook the little people. Instead, he was willing to sit down with SAFE intern, Cherkea Howery to discuss the goals of the Penn Cultural Heritage Center. Over a quaint lunch in the office of Professor Leventhal at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Cherkea had the opportunity to chat with the charismatic giant in the field. A particularly passionate topic for the Professor concerned the role of museums and their future within the university. This issue has been raised frequently after the Brandeis University announced the closing of the Rose Art Museum. The topic is at the heart of discussing the value of University museums to create information and provide cutting-edge research to the general population. With a new book due to be published in a little over a year, this interview presents a bit of insight into Professor Leventhal’s self-proclaimed mission in fostering awareness about critical issues. As the PCHC gains momentum, we will see more outreach and education brought to a broad audience with active programs and lively discussions. On behalf of SAFE, I would like to thank Professor Leventhal for offering his time and for organizing and leading this vital Center. — Cherkea Howery (3.27.09)
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Colin Renfrew on combating the illicit antiquities trade
On January 15, 2009 British archaeologist Colin Renfrew, retired Disney Professor of Archaeology at University of Cambridge, delivered the lecture "Combating the Illicit Antiquities Trade: A Time for Clarity" at New York's City University Graduate Center. In this rare presentation, following the SAFE 2009 Beacon Award Lecture in Phildaelphia, Professor Renfrew named museums and individuals responsible for enabling the illicit trafficking of antiquities. Originally broadcast on CUNY Radio, this lecture is now available as a SAFE podcast. We thank Professor Renfrew, City University of New York and CUNY Radio for making this possible. (1.15.09)
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Roger Atwood on Stealing History
In this 48-minute interview,Cindy Ho, speaks to author Roger Atwood about the writing of Stealing History. He discusses the global problem of antiquities looting and destruction of ancient sites, the role of museums in stemming the illicit antiquities trade. Mr. Atwood provides inside glimpse into the research and writing of his award-winning book. and also offers advice for journalists and writers who hope to publish in this increasingly popular field of study. (11.14.06)
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Patty Gerstenblith on Legal issues
In this 23-minute interview, Professor Gerstenblith speaks to Emily Jateff and offers a concise overview of cultural heritage from a legal perspective. A leading authority on this highly relevant topic, Professor Gerstenblith gives a summary of international and national laws, as well as recent cases. She also discusses the practice of cultural property law, advises aspiring law students interested in pursuing the field, and describes the work of The Lawyers' Committee for Cultural Heritage Preservation. (9.14.06)
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Peter Watson on The Medici Conspiracy
In this one-hour video lecture, Peter Watson, co-author of The Medici Conspiracy describes how investigations of the illicit antiquties trade led to the trial of antiquities dealers Giacomo Medici and Robert Hecht, and former Getty Museum curator Marion True. In a wide-ranging discussion, Mr. Watson traces the story from the late 1980s to the present (including details never before heard outside the courtroom in Rome) and concludes with a spirited round of questions from the audience. Those who did not attend this live SAFE event can now view the lecture in its entirety. (11.16.06)
Donny George Youkhanna on Iraq
The former Chairman of the State Board of Antiquities and Heritage (SBAH) in Iraq speaks to Cindy Ho in this 38-minute interview. Dr. George discusses the circumstances surrounding his decision to leave Baghdad for the United States, where he currently serves as visiting professor at New York's Stony Brook University. The interview focuses on the continued looting of ancient sites in Iraq, the situation at the Iraq Museum, the recent recovery of the statue of Entemena, the disputed status of more than 1,000 Sumerian cunieforms now at Cornell University. Dr. George concludes with recommendations for safeguarding Iraq's ancient sites and his near-term plans. (12.12.06)
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