History of the Antiquities Collection

In 2003, the Hankey Center became the home of Wilson College’s classics collection which consists of ancient artifacts from various locations, including Egypt, Mesopotamia, Italy, Greece, Palestine, and Syria.  

Since the 1920s artifacts have been acquired through donations and gifts from alumnae, students, institutions, and donors, as well as purchases by the College. At the start of the collection there were no plans in place as to its size or range, instead the idea was to obtain available objects. Eventually the collection began to focus on gathering a comprehensive collection of artifacts that would represent various periods and styles. Today, the collection comprises of artifacts from various locations with a heavy concentration of Greek and Roman objects.  

Some of the greatest contributions to the collection were accomplished by Dr. A Mildred Franklin, member of the Classic Department from 1919 and chairman from 1932-50. Dr. Franklin made extensive purchases with college funds that went on to become the nucleus of the present collection. It was her vision and interest that lead to Wilson’s impressive collection of artifacts for exhibition and teaching purposes. The collection plays an instrumental role in the study and interpretation of the ancient world for students. Other great contributors were the Classics Club, individual students, alumnae and families, and members of faculty and administration, institutions, and friend of the college.  

 While all of the objects are not on display, they have all been catalogued and photographed.  Today, Ancient World Studies (Classics) Professor Dr. Bonnie Rock-McCutcheon, interns, and student volunteers are working on digitizing the collection to allow better access to those within and outside of the Wilson College Community.  

While the antiquities collection can be seen by request, some of the items from the collection are available to be seen in the Hunnicutt Gallery. The Gallery is named in memory of Barron Blewett Hunnicutt, Lecturer in Art History at Wilson College, made possible by a gift from her husband, Captain William Hunnicutt.