The Palestine Exploration Fund: The Collections of an Historic Learned Society in London

Founded in 1865, the Palestine Exploration Fund (PEF) holds one of the world's oldest and most significant collections of archaeological material, archives, photographs, and maps from the ancient Levant. Unlike many contemporary collections, the PEF's holdings are primarily derived from legally conducted excavations, adhering to the protocols of their time, which minimizes concerns over repatriation. The collection, spanning the 19th and early 20th centuries, includes material from key projects such as Warren's excavations in Jerusalem (1866–1870) and the Survey of Western Palestine (1871–1878), alongside significant photographic and documentary archives. This unique assembly provides invaluable context for understanding the history of archaeology and the region's cultural landscape, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Battir in southern Jerusalem. The PEF's strict acquisition policy—rejecting unprovenanced material since the 1900s—ensures compliance with modern international standards while preserving its scholarly integrity. The collection's strength lies not only in its artifacts but also in its interconnected archives, which offer a holistic perspective on the region's history.

Cobbing, F. (2017). The Palestine Exploration Fund: The Collections of an Historic Learned Society in London. Journal of Eastern Mediterranean Archaeology and Heritage Studies, 5(1), 75–87. https://doi.org/10.5325/jeasmedarcherstu.5.1.0075