In the heart of Jerusalem stands an archaeological powerhouse. Through its doors have passed the leading scholars of the biblical archaeology of Jerusalem as well as the surrounding regions. Founded over a century ago as the American School of Oriental Research, the W. F. Albright Institute of Archaeological Research (AIAR) gained its current name from its illustrious director in the 1920s and 1930s, William Fox Albright, known to many as the father of biblical archaeology. Today the Albright represents the oldest American research center for ancient Near Eastern studies in the Middle East.

This paper will trace the development and evolution of the Albright Institute in concert with the very development and evolution of biblical archaeology itself. A number of recent publications have appeared dedicated to the Albright’s contribution to the advancement of the field, including the entire 2002 March issue of Near Eastern Archaeology, entitled, “The House that Albright Built” (after an article by the Albright’s current director, Seymour Gitin). This retrospective of sorts will examine the major scholarly advances produced by Albright scholars, ranging from prehistory to the Crusades and in interdisciplinary realms. In addition, this presentation will discuss the current state of research at the Albright, its archaeological laboratories and research facilities, as well as the Albright’s current role in Jerusalem’s community as a site for collaboration and scholarly dialogue among Palestinian, Israeli, European, and American scholars and archaeologists.