Speaker Series

Upcoming Speaker Events

Past Speaker Events

The Shroud: Face to Face Film Screening

February 8, 2024

Robert Orlando claims that when we look through the lens of the Roman crucifixion to find the “criminal Jesus,” we are coming face to face with the most transformative true crime story of Western history. In a fresh approach, this documentary utilizes the New Testament and a storyteller’s eye to examine the evidence behind the world’s most studied artifact and its connection to the historical Jesus.

Wonderfully Made: Women in STEM

January 23, 2024

Join us for an evening of learning, painting, and reflecting together as we hear from prominent women of faith in STEM about the concept of "imago Dei," being made in the "image of God," and how if applies to vocation.

"No One Puts a Lamp Under a Basket": Jewish Lamp Production in a Galilean Potters’ Village

January 20, 2024

Join Dr. James Riley Strange, Dr. Mordechai Aviam, and Dr. Tom McCollough as they discuss how a workshop in a small Galilean Jewish village supplied the region with ceramic vessels, including oil lamps, during the Second Temple period.

Updates from Tel Shimron and El-Araj with Dr. Daniel Master, Dr. R. Steven Notley, Dr. Mordechai Aviam, and Dr. Jordan Ryan

January 18, 2024

Tel Shimron has begun to yield its secrets after five seasons of excavation. Dr. Daniel Master guides you through the substantial architectural remains that have been found, which range from the Bronze Age—the era of the Canaanites—through the Roman period, and their meaning for the history of Lower Galilee and the Jezreel Valley.

Dr. R. Steven Notley and Dr. Mordechai Aviam will also be sharing updates from el-Araj, which they argue is the biblical town of Bethsaida.

Dr. Jordan Ryan will also speak on the role of the synagogue in the Second Temple period and how it illuminates aspects of Jesus's ministry.

Hagia Sophia Opening Event

October 11, 2023

The exhibition is a photographic exploration of 37 historic churches around the world dedicated to thehagia sophia, or “wisdom of God.” Each church was erected as a testament to its community's faith, and they continue to stand as monuments to some of the greatest architectural and cultural achievements in the world. 

2nd Annual Bible Craftsmanship Conference

August 26, 2023

Designers, publishers, printers, booksellers, influencers, and readers gathered together to share their love of thoughtfully made Bibles. Presentations included briefings on typography and design, case studies, and discussions about what makes for excellent Bible craftsmanship.

Watch the presentations:

Teaching Scripture and Science Educator Conference

July 28–29, 2023

Explore different approaches to teaching scripture and science in secondary education classrooms at our Teaching Scripture and Science Educator Conference.

The Bible in Space

April 27, 2023

Join us for the opening of our new exhibit area, the Bible and Space, on the Impact of the Bible Floor. The focus of the exhibit is a mural by NASA artist Robert McCall.

My Life and the Bible with Tony Evans

March 16, 2023

Tony Evans is one of the most influential church leaders of our time and has been studying and preaching the gospel for more than 50 years. He is senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas, and founder of The Urban Alternative, a ministry that promotes a kingdom-agenda philosophy designed to enable people to live all of life underneath the comprehensive rule of God. Watch as Dr. Tony Evans discusses how the Bible has impacted his life, ministry, and the why behind his Bible commentary.

Does Your Bible Have the Apocrypha?

March 14, 2023

Dr. David deSilva’s speaker series will explore what the books of the Apocrypha contain, why their place in the canon has been a matter of dispute, what their influence has been upon Christian faith and practice, and what they have to offer all Christians who seek a richer understanding of the Judaism of the Second Temple period and the world of the early Christian movement.

Town Hall with A. R. Bernard

March 9, 2023

Rev. A. R. Bernard is an author and the founding pastor of the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, New York. As a counselor to entertainers, politicians, and business leaders, Bernard thinks deeply about faith and its intersection with culture. Watch as he engages in a lively discussion about this topic with a moderator, titled, "The Bible in a Changing Culture—Why Does it Matter?"

Byzantine Bethsaida and the House of St. Peter

January 26, 2023

In this presentation, Dr. R. Steven Notley and Dr. Mordechai Aviam will consider the most recent results from the 2022 season at Khirbet el-Araj and the relevant Byzantine pilgrimage itineraries. Together, they will demonstrate that there is little doubt the newly excavated basilica at Bethsaida/el-Araj should be identified with the basilica visited by centuries of Byzantine pilgrims to commemorate the house of St. Peter in Bethsaida.

Bethlehem in the Time of Jesus and the Church of the Nativity

November 22, 2022

In this opening event for Museum of the Bible's exhibition, Bells of Bethlehem: Sounds from the Church of the Nativity, hear from renowned New Testament scholar Ben Witherington III, who will discuss Bethlehem in the first century and how it connects to the Gospels. In addition, George Al Ama, a historian and resident of Bethlehem, will highlight the history and recent renovation of the Church of the Nativity.

Watchman Nee and the Story of a Chinese Christian Family

October 20, 2022

Hear from author Jennifer Lin and scholar Joseph Lee as they discuss the history of Christianity in China through the 150-year saga of the Lin family captured in the family memoir, Shanghai Faithful: Betrayal and Forgiveness in a Chinese Christian family. Lee, a history professor at Pace University, will explain the lasting legacy of Watchman Nee, considered one of the most influential Chinese Christians of the twentieth century.

Samaritans Ancient and Modern

September 2022

Join us for a special look into The Samaritans: A Biblical People, an exhibition at Museum of the Bible in collaboration with the Yeshiva University Center for Israel Studies. The exhibit will tell the story of these Israelite people through films, ancient artifacts, medieval manuscripts, and the day-to-day objects of Samaritan life. This event will also include a panel discussion on the history of the Samaritans as well as a first look at the exhibition.

Inaugural Annual Bible Craftsmanship Conference

August 27, 2022

The inaugural annual conference of the Society of Bible Craftsmanship featured presentations made by Klaus Krogh, David Price, and Mark Bertrand.

The Future of the Mystery

July 16, 2022

In this presentation, Enrico Simonato, one of the directors of the International Center for the Study of the Shroud, will share insights about the perpetual care of the Shroud of Turin and how it relates to both scientific and critical studies that continue from many disciplines around the world. He will discuss the present-day state of research from his unique experience as a primary caretaker of the Shroud today, responsible for preserving it for future generations. Cheryl White, PhD, a board member of the Shroud of Turin Research and Education Association, will also discuss the Shroud’s research.

Tel Shimron: New Research into a Biblical City

May 26, 2022

Join Dr. Daniel Master, professor of archaeology at Wheaton College, as he takes you through the remarkable process of extracting history from the abandoned ruin of Tel Shimron. The tell was one of the largest unexcavated mounds in the Holy Land before Museum of the Bible initiated archaeological excavations in 2016. From initial surveys and remote sensing to the first trowels in the ground and careful interpretation of the results, Dr. Master will discuss each part of the archaeological process and what has been uncovered.

Restoring the “Thomas Paine” Sandwich Magna Carta

March 3, 2022

Join speakers Chris Woods, director of the National Conservation Service (UK), and Luke Purser, co-founder and senior partner of Hawkwood International, as they discuss the 2015 rediscovery of the Sandwich Magna Carta, issued in 1300, along with the accompanying Charter of the Forest. This special event will be the final opportunity to view the Sandwich Magna Carta in person before it returns home to England. 

Mystery and Faith: The Shroud of Turin Grand Opening

February 26, 2022

Join us for the grand opening of Mystery and Faith: The Shroud of Turin, featuring a panel discussion with four renowned Shroud specialists: Russ Breault, Barrie Schwortz, Fr. Robert Spitzer, and Dr. Cheryl White. Together, they will explore different historical, scientific, and artistic aspects of the Shroud.

Mystery and Faith: The Shroud of Turin Special Preview

February 23, 2022

Listen to Professor Andrew Casper of Miami University, Ohio, at the special preview program for the opening of our new exhibit, Mystery and Faith: The Shroud of Turin. Professor Casper will speak about the Shroud in Italian art and how the Shroud itself was conceived of as a divine work of art in the early modern period. Don’t miss this special presentation.

1620: The Mayflower Compact and America’s Founding

November 18, 2021

On November 18, the museum will host a panel discussion on the 1620 Mayflower Compact — the shortest American political document of enduring significance. With these few words, however, the Pilgrims sowed the seeds of liberty and self-government that made their small New England settlement a cradle of American democracy. This event will explore the idea that these seventeenth-century Pilgrims were the true forerunners of America’s Founders and examine the Compact as a blueprint used to frame this nation's founding principles as embedded in the US Constitution.

Magna Carta’s Legacy of Liberty: What Are Its Implications Today?

October 28, 2021

Join us for an exciting evening exploring the Magna Carta at Museum of the Bible. Those attending in person will tour our exhibition, Magna Carta: Tyranny. Justice. Liberty., before the program. Everyone, online and in person, will have the opportunity to hear our distinguished speakers discuss the Magna Carta’s legacy and the spiritual perspective behind the famous charter. After the event, there will be a short reception for those at the museum.

Shroud of Mystery: The World's Most Analyzed Artifact

October 9, 2021

Discover why the Shroud of Turin, one of the world’s most analyzed artifacts, is still a mystery. Join speakers Dr. Cheryl White, Russ Breault, Father Peter Mangum, and Joe Marino as they explain the secrets of the linen cloth believed by millions to be the burial shroud of Jesus of Nazareth. 

For guests who purchase a VIP ticket, a VIP reception will follow the event.

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT! THE BIBLE IS SO … LIVE!

October 7, 2021

Museum of the Bible members will get the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with some of the curators and specialists from past episodes of The Bible is So … Don’t miss your opportunity to ask your questions and engage more deeply with our artifacts and our amazing staff. The Bible is So … LIVE! will be held October 7 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.

The Case For Heaven:  An Evening With Lee Strobel

September 14, 2021

The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have caused people around the world to consider the fragility of life, asking, “what happens when we close our eyes for the last time in this world?” and “is there an afterlife?” In his new book, The Case for Heaven: A Journalist Investigates Evidence for Life After Death, best-selling and award-winning author Lee Strobel presents his findings for the reality of life after death through conversations with respected scholars and experts.  

The Mystery of the Codex Valmadonna I

The Mystery of the Codex Valmadonna I

August 19, 2021

Discover the remarkable history of the Codex Valmadonna I—the only extant Hebrew manuscript dated to medieval England—through an in-depth look at this fascinating artifact, which is currently on display in Museum of the Bible’s newest exhibit,Magna Carta: Tyranny. Justice. Liberty. This story involves both the history of Jews in England before their expulsion in 1290 C.E. as well as the origins of the Ḥumash, the Synagogue Bible. Taken together, the extraordinary features of this Bible show how a manuscript can bring both a text and history to life.

A Time of Crisis and Opportunity

A Time of Crisis and Opportunity

April 15, 2021

Join Museum of the Bible for a thought-provoking conversation between two career-long champions of religious freedom, Dr. Tom Farr, president of the Religious Freedom Institute, and Ken Starr, former US solicitor general, about Starr's new book, Religious Liberty in Crisis: Exercising Your Faith in an Age of Uncertainty. The conversation will lead the audience through an understanding of America's rich tradition of religious liberty, discuss current crises threatening that bedrock freedom, and offer practical insights about taking a more active role in advancing liberty's cause.

Myths and Mistakes

March 25, 2021

Join us for a special event on Thursday, March 25, with Elijah Hixson and Peter Gurry to discuss their book, Myths and Mistakes in New Testament Textual Criticism. Gurry and Hixson argue that we can reliably know what the biblical text initially said as well as address the ways in which the textual history of the New Testament has been misrepresented and misunderstood by both skeptics and believers.

How to Live a Happier Life: Lessons from the Haggadah

March 15, 2021

More than a guidebook for the celebration of Passover, the Haggadah (Hebrew for “telling”) contains Jewish teachings, ideas, and principles that entrepreneur and philanthropist Mark Gerson says can help everyone, regardless of religious belief, live a happier, more meaningful life.

Esther in America

February 11, 2021

Dr. Stu Halpern’s (Yeshiva University) new book, Esther in America: The Scroll’s Interpretation in and Impact on the United States, and the role the beloved biblical book has played in American social and political history will be examined.

Peoples of the Bible: The Philistines

January 7, 2021

The vivid stories of Delilah and Goliath have made the Philistines the most famous villains of the Hebrew Bible. But, for the last two hundred years, explorers, historians, archaeologists, and, now, even geneticists have been working to understand the ancient people behind these famous biblical tales. Join us for an exploration of Philistine origins.

Cornel West and Robert P. George: On Honesty and Courage in a Time of Polarization

November 18, 2020

Two of America's most important public intellectuals—Robert P. George and Cornel West—come together to discuss the urgent need for honesty and courage at a time when mutual suspicion and animosity undermine civic friendship and imperil social order. George and West will draw upon the resources of faith and reason—in the biblical tradition—to rise above extreme polarization.

400 Years Since Plymouth

October 7, 2020

Join Professor John Turner and a distinguished panel as they cover topics relating to the Pilgrims, Plymouth, and the development of religious liberty in early American history. This event will be held virtually using Zoom.

Locating the Lost City of the Apostles

October 1, 2020

After years of digging, Professor R. Steven Notley believes he can prove the true location of biblical Bethsaida, also known as the "Lost City of the Apostles." Get the latest scoop on El-Araj from Professor Notley and learn why he thinks it is the best candidate for biblical Bethsaida during this special program held in person at Museum of the Bible and virtually through Zoom.

Illuminating the Passover Haggadah

August 27, 2020

Learn about the stories within our new exhibit, With a Mighty Hand: The Art and History of the Passover Haggadah. Sharon Mintz, an expert in illuminated Hebrew manuscripts, and Elka Deitsch, the curator of the Haggadah exhibit, will share about the history of the Haggadah during the Middle Ages and beyond.

Winning the Vote! The Woman’s Bible and Suffrage

August 13, 2020

Join Museum of the Bible in an online discussion about The Woman’s Bible, a biblical commentary written by suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton and others, as we celebrate 100 years since the passing of the 19th Amendment. This event will be held virtually using Zoom.

A Conversation with Washington Nationals Chaplain Msgr. Stephen Rossetti

July 2, 2020

From blessing baseball bats, to praying with the injured and encouraging the team to “stay in the fight,” Monsignor Rossetti will share stories of what it was like to minister to our hometown team throughout their extraordinary 2019 season.

The Bible in Our Hands

February 2, 2020

Focusing on two of the most prominent Jewish manuscripts in America, Dr. Gary Rendsburg, a leading scholar in biblical and Judaic studies, walks us through the story of the Hebrew Bible from the Dead Sea Scrolls to the versions we read today.

Free Exercise Equality

January 16, 2020

Join us for a conversation with experts from the Religious Freedom Institute as we explore religious freedom as a fundamental human right.

Faith and the American University

January 12, 2020

Do people of faith still have a place in the American university? Join us for this important conversation.

New Discoveries in the City of David

November 19, 2019

In 586 BC, the City of David fell to the Babylonians. Today, archaeological excavations continue to reveal evidence of this remarkable moment in history. Come hear about and see some of the extraordinary remains.

Who Is an Evangelical?

October 29, 2019

Dr. Thomas Kidd, one of America’s top historians, will engage Russell Moore and Reverend Thabiti Anyabwile in a spirited conversation about the history of the evangelical movement and the current crisis it faces. A reception and book signing will follow.

Shroud of Turin: Explore the Mystery

January 18, 2020

Few artifacts in the world have stirred the imagination and provoked controversy as much as the Shroud of Turin. Now, it’s your turn to explore the mystery!

Visions of the Apocalypse

October 10, 2019

Join us for a discussion of the Apocalypse in the Bible and in contemporary art. An art exhibit featuring local artists’ interpretations of the Apocalypse will accompany the event.

Abel Beth Maacah: Uncovering the Secrets of a Biblical City

Thursday, October 3, at 7 p.m.

Learn more about an exciting archaeological discovery related to a biblical king found at the site of Abel Beth Maacah in Israel. Museum of the Bible is honored to host Azusa Pacific University professor and co-leader of the excavation, Dr. Robert Mullins, for a discussion of this and other fascinating finds.

How Happiness Happens – An Evening with Max Lucado

Monday, September 16, at 6:30 p.m.

Ever wondered what the secret to lasting happiness is? Meet Max Lucado and hear what he has found that lasts as he launches his newest book How Happiness Happens: Finding Lasting Joy in a world of Comparison, Disappointment, and Unmet Expectations. Join us on September 16 to celebrate this pastor and best-selling author. Receive a signed copy of his book upon registering!

The Tapestry of Light: A Discussion with the Artist and Curators

Saturday, July 6, at 2 p.m.

Guests heard from the artist and curators on what inspired The Tapestry of Light, its style, content, techniques and technology. The attendees learned about its contribution to the history of art, science and faith, what it means to the artist and how it was achieved.

The Most Unusual and Needed Gospel Commentary

April 2019

Guests joined Dr. Amy-Jill Levine and Dr. Ben Witherington in conversation about their new book, a commentary on the Gospel of Luke. The scholars shared personal stories from the time they spent writing this unique Jewish and Christian commentary on a “Christian Gospel of a Jewish prophet,” including lessons learned, controversial points, unanswered questions and opportunities ahead. The evening included a time for audience questions and a book signing.

Celebrate the Torah at Museum of the Bible

April 2019

Museum of the Bible and 929 celebrated the 929 global online Tanakh study project as it reached the completion of the study of the Torah in its cycle. Concurrent programs were held in the museum throughout the day, followed by a conversation with Dr. Robert Alter, University of California at Berkley, and Dr. Adele Berlin, professor emerita, University of Maryland.

Jerusalem and Rome Special Speaker Series

March and April 2019

This special two-part speaker series brought together top scholars from different fields to dive deeper into some of the themes of the Jerusalem and Rome: Cultures in Context in the First Century CE, an exhibiton from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem now on display at Museum of the Bible. The event focused on the forces unleashed during and after the Great Jewish Revolt and explores how the revolt influenced early Judaism and Christianity.

Liberty in the Things of God

April 2019

Christians have struggled for religious freedom from the early days of the Christian movement through the seventeenth century. Guests heard Dr. Robert Wilken and a distinguished slate of religious freedom experts discuss his book, Liberty in the Things of God, and how the origins of religious freedom and liberty of conscience are religious, not political.

The Archaeology of Religious Interaction in Late Antique Palestine

March 2019

This lecture explored the interaction between Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities during the tumultuous seventh century CE through recent archaeological discoveries!

Celebrate Women's History Month Speaker Series

March 2019

Museum of the Bible celebrated Women’s History Month with a special panel focused on the impact of faith and the Bible on women in the clergy, workplace and communities.

Tel Shimron: A New Window into the Biblical World

February 2019

Guests learned about the latest archaeological discoveries unearthed at Tel Shimron, an exciting new excavation sponsored by Museum of the Bible. The co-directors presented unpublished research and unique discoveries made in their first season of excavation.

First President, First Freedom: Religious Freedom and Washington’s Election

February 2019

Confronting rising threats of violent intolerance, including the October 2018 massacre at Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, this panel discussed Washington’s legacy of religious freedom.

The Bible and War

November 2018

How does the Bible relate to war? A distinguished panel discussed the topics of just war theory and peacemaking negotiations in relationship to the Bible.

Antisemitism Unmasked: How the Bible Exposes the Evil of Antisemitism With Dr. Michael Rydelnik

October 2018

This lecture reviewed the enduring nature of the world’s oldest hatred and examined what the Bible reveals about this terrible evil.

Chosen People, Promised Lands: The Bible, Israel and U.S. Foreign Policy

October 2018

This panel discussion among leading scholars placed the controversial phenomenon of “Christian Zionism” in the context of American’s historical fascination with biblical themes of covenant and redemption.

Billy Graham: His Life and Legacy

September 2018

This lecture explored Billy Graham’s enduring impact, in the shaping of Christianity generally and the evangelical movement in particular, in the United States and in other parts of the world.

A Conversation with Carol and Eric Meyers: 50 years of Archaeological Investigation in Israel

July 2018

Carol and Eric Meyers, two pre-eminent archaeologists and Biblical scholars with over 50 years of experience and leadership in their profession, discussed their archaeological work in Israel.

The Role of the Bible in Prisoner Transformation


June 2018

Museum of the Bible hosted Dr. Byron Johnson’s presentation of compelling evidence that the Bible and faith-motivated individuals and organizations can provide a powerful antidote to crime-related problems.

Only One Life

June 2018

Jackie Green and Lauren McAfee discussed their book, “Only One Life: How a Woman's Every Day Shapes an Eternal Legacy”, and the important women of the Bible who have made impact on our world!

Mako Fujimura on the “Theology of Making”

April 2018

Museum of the Bible hosted distinguished artist, author and speaker, Makoto Fujimura. Fujimura's "The Art of the Gospels" exhibition was on display at the museum from November 2017 - April 2018.

The Rock, The Road, and The Rabbi

March 2018

The “Today” show’s Kathie Lee Gifford visited Museum of the Bible to share her transformative experience of visiting the land of the Bible as expressed in her book, “The Rock, The Road, and The Rabbi”.

The Lindisfarne Gospels

March 2018

Professor Michelle P. Brown explored the creation of the beautifully illuminated Lindisfarne Gospels on Holy Island off the northeast coast of Britain over 1,300 years ago.

C'est La Vie! Explore Vanitas Themes from the Book of Ecclesiastes Through Baroque Art

March 2018

This lecture focused on the theme of vanitas, showcasing its remarkable impact on 17th-century art.

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