Metcalf Lecturer 2023/4: Benjamin Hellings

The AIA

The Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) promotes archaeological inquiry and public understanding of the material record of the human past to foster an appreciation of diverse cultures and our shared humanity. The AIA supports archaeologists, their research and its dissemination, and the ethical practice of archaeology. The AIA educates people of all ages about the significance of archaeological discovery and advocates for the preservation of the world’s archaeological heritage.

Founded in 1879, the AIA has over 200,000 current members. It hosts an Annual Meeting for the past 120 years which has on average 2,500 attendees, and also has a number of special lecture series throughout the year.

The William E. Metcalf Lecture

The William E. Metcalf Lecture in Numismatics was established in 1999 by Robert D. Taggart and his wife, Anna Marguerite McCann, who was active in the AIA for many years. The Metcalf Lectures are on the subject of numismatics and their role in archaeological research as well as in art and historical research. The donors believed that coins, with their images and legends, are an essential source for any archaeologist dating a site or studying portraiture, architecture, religion or history and desire that numismatics be a part of the lecture program being provided by the AIA. Although much of numismatics is related to the ancient world, the lectures need not be limited to the ancient world as coins are relevant for other areas and times as well.

The 2023/4 Season Metcalf Lecturer

The 2023/4 Season Metcalf Lecturer for the AIA’s 2023-2024 National Lecture Program is Benjamin Hellings, the Jackson-Tomasko Associate Curator of Numismatics at the Yale University Art Gallery and Chair of the AIA Numismatics Interest Group. He has already given three of his four lectures of the season. The last lecture is scheduled for April 11, 2024. Find out more about the topics of the lectures here.