Ending Our 40th On A High Note

On Saturday April 9th, just as our 40th anniversary festivities were coming to a close, we had the opportunity to meet over 40 returned Moroccan alumni of US exchange programs. These professionals are at all stages of their careers, some are students, some teach and many others work in the private sector or in other areas of Moroccan civil society. They were involved in a variety of projects while in the U.S. and they shared with us some of their aspirations for the future.

Participants introducing themselves.
Participants introducing themselves.

Our day began with professor Dale Eickelman of Dartmouth College, who gave a talk titled “New Directions: The Tangier American Legation since 1976”. He spoke about TALIM’s transformation from its inception as a non-profit organization to its work today. The Legation and TALIM are opening up to more community involvement through events and programs. Professor Eickelman unveiled our latest initiative during his talk. The “Legation Scholars” program, developed by TALIM and local partners, aims to provide high school students from the Old Medina of Tangier with English language training and baccalaureate support so that they may pursue higher-level studies in the STEM fields. Many of the Moroccan U.S. alumni present at the talk expressed interest in becoming involved in these kinds of programs, through mentorships and other types of collaboration.  

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Medina Children’s Gardening Workshop

On Saturday, April 9, TALIM hosted a urban gardening and arts workshop.  The event gave those attending the 40th anniversary events an opportunity to see TALIM’s outreach programs live.  See some photos in the gallery.


TALIM 40th Anniversary Conference

The 40th Anniversary Conference held today at TALIM reviewed the history of the Tangier Legation as a diplomatic presence, then as a museum, and finally as the multifunctional research, educational, and cultural center it is today.

The day began with opening remarks by Director John Davison, and President Dale Eickelman. Presentations on the first panel included “The First Daughter of the Legation” by Anna Reidy, New York University; “The Perdicaris Affair” by Jeremy Gunn, Professor at Université Internationale de Rabat ; and “Twilight of the International Zone” by Gerald Loftus, Former TALIM Director.

After a coffee break on the terrace,

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The First Full Day of TALIM’s 40th Anniversary Events

The courtyard and terrace approximately 40 years ago
The courtyard and terrace approximately 40 years ago

Today was the first full day of events held to mark the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Tangier American Legation Museum, now the Tangier American Legation Institute for Moroccan Studies (TALIM).  The events are being held in conjunction with the annual meetings of the TALIM Board and Fellows.  Ordinarily the meetings are held in the US, but this year they are being held in Tangier to mark this milestone anniversary.

Today’s events consisted of a tour of the new Tanger Med Port, a visit to the museum and ruins at Ksar Sghir, a visit to the Grottes d’Hercule (Cave of Hercules) and finally a social event at the home of Elena Prentice, TALIM Board Member and longtime resident of Tangier, at her charming villa.

Join us tomorrow for TALIM’s 40th Anniversary Conference at Legation.

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A new look at the old Villa Perdicaris for #MuseumWeek #ZoomMW

Today’s Museum Week challenge asks us to zoom in on a particular item in our collection. Over the past few weeks we have had several visitors with a keen interest in seeing Villa Perdicaris in its old splendor. There was the restoration crew charged with bringing Villa Perdicaris, also known as Villa Aidonia, back to … Read more A new look at the old Villa Perdicaris for #MuseumWeek #ZoomMW