A Man of Many Parts: The Life and Legacy of Francis Willey Kelsey

On his first major expedition to the Mediterranean (1919–1921), Kelsey's primary goal was to acquire ancient artifacts and manuscripts, particularly papyri, for research and teaching. He was especially successful in Egypt, where he initially purchased papyri from dealers and through his agent, Dr. David Askren. Within a few years he had also established a series of excavations: at Karanis, where Michigan conducted eleven seasons, as well as at Soknopaiou Nesos (Dimé) and Terenouthis. In the 1920s and 1930s, thousands of objects came to Michigan under the authority of the Egyptian Museum.

Kelsey also cultivated a personal and professional relationship with Sir William Flinders Petrie, a British archaeologist famous for introducing a new, scientific approach to archaeology in Egypt. In 1920, Kelsey visited Petrie at Lahun and asked him for duplicates — that is, examples of finds whose types had already been well established and documented—for the Classics study collection at the University of Michigan. Petrie sent 54 artifacts to Michigan in 1921 (accompanied by a letter, see text below), and these are among the earliest scientifically excavated objects in the Kelsey's collection.

Dear Prof. Kelsey, You asked for pieces of alabaster vases, so we send some, and also some whole vases and some small objects. I trust that your university museum may be able to help the work of the School in return. I enclose the list of objects, and a copy of our exhibition catalogue which will give some details. We had nine in our party last winter, and are having out ten this winter. I cannot expect to have so fat a season as the last, but we shall see. Pray let us know if you are coming to this side again. After 20 Nov. my address will be post office Cairo. With our sincerest remembrance of your kindness Yours cordially, W. M. F. Petrie

Emma Sachs