2024Impact Report

A Legacy of Faith & Fire

In an era defined by uncertainty and fear, Billy Graham ignited a cultural movement rooted in rediscovering the timeless truth of Scripture. This year, Museum of the Bible transported visitors to the "canvas cathedrals" of the late 1940s, where Graham boldly proclaimed 2 Timothy 1:7:

"FOR GOD HAS NOT GIVEN US A SPIRIT OF FEAR, BUT OF POWER AND LOVE AND A SOUND MIND."

From tents in Los Angeles to the world's largest stadiums, Graham's unwavering message transcended borders and languages, reaching laymen, politicians, and royalty alike. This powerful exhibition reminded visitors how one man, rooted in Scripture alone, could inspire millions to embrace faith over fear and cling to biblical truth in times of crisis.

4/19/2024 – 01/26/2025

The Oldest Christian Worship Site Unearthed

One of the earliest physical pieces of evidence of belief in Jesus as God made its US debut in the heart of Washington, DC: the Megiddo Mosaic. The breathtaking, 581-square-foot relic, conserved by the Israel Antiquities Authority, offers a rare glimpse into a Christian community that thrived 1,800 years ago—before Christianity was legally recognized in the Roman Empire.

"SEEING THE EARLIEST FOUND CHRISTIAN CHURCH PROCLAIMING JESUS CHRIST AS GOD WAS TRULY AN UNFORGETTABLE BLESSING. IT BROUGHT ME AND MY HUSBAND TO TEARS."

Discovered in 2005 beneath a Megiddo prison floor by an inmate, the mosaic bears the rare inscription: "to God Jesus Christ." Visitors were transported to ancient Judea, where a Roman centurion, an artist, and five remarkable women came together to create a worship space dedicated "to God Jesus Christ." At its center was a table, likely used for the Eucharist, surrounded by intricate mosaics filled with powerful Christian symbolism.

The museum welcomed 62,222 attendees this past year to experience this extraordinary artifact. "The Megiddo Mosaic was the highlight of our entire DC trip," one visitor shared.

The mosaic's inscriptions tell the story of its creators: Gaianus, the centurion who funded the project; Akeptous, the "God-loving" woman who offered the table; and Brutius, the skilled artisan behind the vibrant fish medallion—one of the earliest Christian symbols. Through its geometric precision and sacred inscriptions, the Megiddo Mosaic speaks of eternity, unity, and devotion, centering attention on the table—a place of shared worship.

9/15/2024 – 07/06/2025

Experiencing Worship in the Everyday

This exclusive engagement invites visitors to experience the wonder, power, and timeless truths of creation's response to the God of the Bible. All Creation Sings expands the concept of worship beyond traditional weekly worship time, transforming it into a full-bodied experience woven into the fabric of nature.

Immersed in the grandeur of nature, visitors witness creation's splendor while being enraptured by songs of praise. Guests embark on a journey through the formation of Eden, marveling at God's boundless creativity and artistry.

The Afghan Liturgical Quire's Journey

Dating to around AD 700, the Afghan Liturgical Quire is the earliest uncovered intact Hebrew book—a sacred text that tells a story of survival, discovery, and connection. This codex journeyed across 1,300 years, crossing borders, regions, and cultural divides before arriving at Museum of the Bible.

A seven-year international research project ensured its preservation through a groundbreaking approach to heritage rights. Beyond an artifact, this text reflects a pivotal moment in Jewish engagement with Scripture, allowing individuals to carry, meditate on, and pass down their sacred writings for generations.

Having survived wars, migrations, and centuries of neglect, the Afghan Liturgical Quire stands as a testament to the shared stewardship of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities who worked together to protect it. Now resting in the museum, it symbolizes the enduring power of Scripture to unite and inspire across time.

As one passage within its ancient pages states:

"YOU HAVE CAPTURED MY HEART AND WILL BE SAFELY PROTECTED."

Unlocking Scripture for the Digital Age

In addition to showcasing these remarkable artifacts, the museum expanded its digital initiatives. This year, our Digital Imaging Lab successfully digitized 138 objects and 32,452 images, including the Jim Elliot Bible and Corrie ten Boom Bible.

The museum also fully digitized and uploaded the famed Bomberg Talmud to the Collections website, making this historic text more accessible to scholars and the public than ever before.

With each milestone, Museum of the Bible continues to illuminate, educate, and inspire—ensuring a vibrant legacy of Scripture engagement for generations to come.