Paul Calvert spoke with Amanda Weiss, the Director of Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem, a museum that believes that the future of mankind has its roots in the past and only through understanding our history can we build a better future.

Amanda: We have cocktail receptions, Bar Mitzvahs, weddings, parties and very special events. We have an auditorium that holds 220 people, but we also have a beautiful garden that is adjacent to the museum. It's an exquisite site to have a private event in. We also have other special exhibitions of classical art.

Paul: What is it like for you personally working in this museum?

Amanda: I have to tell you that I am part of the founding family of the museum, so I have been here since the very beginning. These artefacts always have a story to tell and when I go through the museum and listen to some of our people that work with us and guide here, or the scholars, I always learn something new. Each one of these, when someone asks what your favourite piece in the museum is, it's like asking someone who is their favourite child, or who is their favourite grandchild, because each treasure has a story and each one is a glimpse into a time and a place that is a part of our heritage. For me the great joy of being here is that we are able to take this collection and teach with it and share its importance and show that the Bible really is our history book. Whether you are religious, or you are secular, or you are a Catholic or Protestant, a Lutheran, Jew, or a Muslim, or a Buddhist there is something here to connect you to humanity in a way you will not find anywhere else.

Paul: Has it helped you personally understand the Bible?

Amanda: I am constantly learning and the more I learn the less I think I know, because there is just so much to learn. We have wonderful people here, looking at everything from new discoveries in archaeology and the archaeology of the land of Israel, to an in depth look at ancient cultures and civilisations. We even have people who study ancient languages as well, which I think is fascinating. I wish I had the time to join the course on hieroglyphs. You look at this art and language and this combination and there is just so much to learn.

Paul: What is your website for people who would like to know more?

Amanda: www.blmj.org.