Dr. Edgar Banks He was the first person to search for the famous Ark of the Covenant. His name was Dr. Edgar J. Banks, a professor and archaeologist who some believe became the inspiration for the Indiana Jones character. Academic research by Dr. Ewa Wasilewska, Ph.D. into Dr. Banks life and achievements reveal some surprising similarities. Regardless of what opinion you reach from your own investigation, it IS undeniable that few people realize that this brave adventurer retired to Eustis in 1921 and resided in Lake County for 24 years. Dr. Banks lectured each year from 1907 to 1919 at the University of Notre Dame. During these lectures, he spoke about his archaeological travels around the world. Museums across the country have benefited from the efforts of Dr. Banks. He sold the University of Notre Dame a Marad cylinder inscription - "a royal building inscription cylinder of Nebuchadnezzar II (605-565 BCE) relating to the Lugal-Marada temple in the ancient city of Marad, near the modern-day Iraqi city of Wannet es-Sa'adun" - this according to the University's Rare Books and Special Collections website. Dr. Ewa Wasilewska, Ph.D. ( www.ewas.us ), is a noted Middle Eastern and Central Asian Expert and Consultant, author and photographer as well as being an Associate Professor and Lecturer in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Utah. Dr. Wasilewska has done a tremendous amount of research on Dr. Banks and continues to compile an impressive collection of data about this fascinating individual. Her research has revealed Dr. Banks founded two movie production companies, The Sacred Films, Inc. and Seminole, Inc. (hopefully, more information to come!) Come and see a room especially devoted to Dr. Edgar J. Banks and his travels. Webmistress & Design by webcreationsbyregina.com Regina@webcreationsbyregina.com