May 21, 2026 The recipient of the Nancy Wilkie Emergency Funds for Heritage Preservation is: The Axum Archaeological Site The Nancy Wilkie Emergency Funds for Heritage Preservation provides rapid support to safeguard endangered sites facing threatening conditions at some of the world’s most amazing archaeological sites. The fund is named in honor of past AIA president Nancy Wilkie. The Axum Archaeological Site, located in northern Ethiopia’s Tigray region, is at the heart of one of Africa’s oldest civilizations. Its monumental stelae, royal tombs, and sacred structures reveal the rich history, spiritual traditions, and indigenous knowledge of the Aksumite Kingdom. We spoke with Abreha Kiros , Project Director, about the ongoing efforts to preserve this remarkable site. The project combines archaeological research, conservation, and local knowledge to protect Axum’s cultural heritage.…