Curator of Collections, Carol Campbell, and archaeological assistant, Hilary Hunt, examine objects from Robinson gift.

In May of 1999, Dr. Henry S. Robinson and his wife Rebecca Wood Robinson, Class of 1945 and MA in 1950, presented Bryn Mawr College with a donation of 75 Mediterranean antiquities from their own collection. The varied donation includes such interesting pieces as a bronze figurine of the Egyptian goddess, Isis, a black glaze Greek amphora and oinochoe, three Roman glass vessels, and a child’s inscribed gold ring. Additionally, there are Attic lead weights, faience objects and even a terracotta architectural fragment. The diverse and choice nature of the donation contributes significantly to our Ella Riegel Memorial Study Collection available for study and enjoyment to both students and scholars. Dr. Henry S. Robinson was Director of the American School of Classical Studies in Athens from 1959-1969, at which time the Robinsons acquired many of the pieces in their collection as gifts from scholars and friends. An archaeologist by profession, Dr. Robinson worked for many years at the American School excavations in Corinth, contributing greatly to the publication and interpretation of this Classical site. He was also a faculty member at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma. Rebecca Wood Robinson graduated from Bryn Mawr with a BA and an MA in Classical Archaeology. While Mrs. Robinson was working on her Masters, she was one of the first archaeology assistants to the Ella Riegel Museum. The Robinsons’ love for antiquities and her work with the Collections led the Robinsons to donate their extensive and valuable collection to Bryn Mawr, where it will be used in the education of many members of our community.

The Ella Riegel Study Collection is located in Thomas and is available for viewing, by appointment. Please contact the curator (610) 526-5335 or the archaeology assistant, Hilary Hunt (610) 526-5775.