this sunday i have the pleasure of helping open an exhibition in the museum of oxford (in the town hall) centred on the ardhive of the eminent archaeologist paul jaobsthal but taking in both his own experience as a jewish refugee from the nazis and refugees in oxford in general. the link below may seem a little dry but the story is fascinating. not least because of the way in which archaeology was of vital importance to the nazis (himmler was a great funder of archaeology) and to those trying to fight against their racial and cultural ideas. in addition, i had also never realised that archaeology and spying were so closely intertwined during the war. though the exact details of jacobsthal's involvement will only emerge when his records are released in 2031, up until which time they will be kept secret 'to protect a living member of the security services' .
paul jacobsthal 10-01-2012