Governor Perdue Praises Emory's Michael C. Carlos Museum for Returning the Ramesses I Mummy

Atlanta - Governor Sonny Perdue today toured the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University to recognize Emory's international gesture of goodwill returning the Ramesses I mummy to its homeland of Cairo, Egypt. Governor Perdue was joined by Mohamed Khamis, Member of the Egyptian Senate (Shura Council); Dr. Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities for Cairo, Egypt; Dr. Peter Lacovara, Museum Curator; Bonnie Speed, Museum Director; and other Egyptian and museum officials.

"Emory University and the Carlos Museum should be commended for their character and integrity in returning Ramesses I home," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "I am extremely honored to have participated in this historic event."

The Carlos Museum acquired Ramesses I from a museum in Niagara, Canada in 1999, and Dr. Lacovara led the efforts in identifying its authenticity. Emory has gained international recognition for voluntarily returning the mummy to Cairo. The Ramesses I mummy will depart Atlanta for Cairo, Egypt on Friday, October 24 after a ceremony at Hartsfield International Airport.