AIA Announces Research Endowment Fund from Philanthropist Richard C.
MacDonald

*Largest Gift in History of AIA*



*Homer’s* Iliad* a Profound Influence on Philanthropist’s Life*



The Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) has established a new
endowment fund to provide vital support for archaeological research in the
21st century and beyond.  The Richard C. MacDonald *Iliad* Endowment for
Archaeological Research will be used to create a reliable, long-term stream
of revenue to support the AIA's mission to promote archaeological inquiry
and public understanding of the human past.  The Endowment was established
with a $750,000 contribution from businessman and philanthropist Richard C.
MacDonald and represents the largest gift in the history of the AIA.

According to AIA President Andrew Moore, “This most generous gift from Mr.
MacDonald will have a transformative effect on the AIA’s efforts to support
field research of fundamental significance.  It will greatly advance our
understanding of the archaeology of a key region, and continue to do so far
into the future.”



The Richard C. MacDonald *Iliad* Endowment for Archaeological Research will
enable the AIA to offer grants in support of research in Ancient Troy and
sites in the wider region of Western Turkey.  The Endowment will also
support the study of the ancient cultures and civilizations that interacted
with the Trojans over the city’s long history, particularly in the regions
that supply context to the study of Troy.  These regions include Anatolia,
southeastern Europe, the Aegean and Crete in the Third to First Millennia
B.C.E.  Funding may also be awarded for the purchase of innovative
technologies that enable archaeologists to learn more from these research
sites.



Mr. MacDonald described the origins of his interest in archaeology, "I read
an abridged copy of the *Iliad* when I was about eight years old and was
hooked.  I've been interested in Troy and everything about it ever since.”



He continued, “I was instrumental in setting up the local chapter of the
AIA here in the Las Vegas area and have attended several Annual Meetings
over the years, so it was a natural progression to go to the AIA to
accomplish the endowment, which allows me to fulfill a dream that started
when I was a child.”

“Growing the AIA’s permanent endowment is a priority in our efforts to
provide resources critical for state-of-the-art archaeological research,
education, and preservation. Making a gift to the AIA endowment is a
wonderful way for archaeology enthusiasts to provide lasting support for
the important work of the Institute,” explained AIA Executive Director Ann
Benbow.

*About Richard C. MacDonald*

AIA Member Richard C. MacDonald is president of MacDonald Companies, a
residential and commercial real estate development company. Mr. MacDonald
founded The MacDonald Center for the Arts & Humanities through which he has
sponsored several archaeological research projects, including the study of
a Minoan ship sunk between Crete and Egypt and investigations of Bronze Age
Santorini and Iron Age Israel. He has also provided educational grants to
the Southern Nevada school system to provide greater opportunities for
young people.



*About the AIA*

The Archaeological Institute of America is North America's oldest and
largest organization devoted to the world of archaeology. The Institute is
a nonprofit group founded in 1879 and chartered by the United States
Congress in 1906. Today, the AIA has 210,000 Members and more than 100
Local Societies in the United States, Canada, and overseas. Members include
professional archaeologists, corresponding members, students, and
enthusiasts, all united by a shared passion for archaeology and its role in
furthering human knowledge.



The 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 the preservation of the world’s
archaeological heritage. Additional information about the AIA may be found
at www.archaeological.org.

-- 
Samantha Craig
Development Associate
Site Preservation Program Administrator
Archaeological Institute of America
656 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02215
617.353.9364