Eight rare Dead Sea Scrolls, including an exceptional manuscript outlining ancient religious rules, are now on display at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, as the exhibition approaches its final weeks.

According to the Christian Post, the installation marks the concluding phase of “Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition,” giving visitors one last opportunity to view these historic texts before the exhibit closes on September 2.

The exhibit, hosted by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, features the fourth and final rotation of scrolls, ensuring their preservation from light and environmental damage. These rotations are necessary due to the extreme sensitivity of the ancient materials.

One of the most notable new additions to the exhibit is the Community Rule Scroll, officially known as 4Q260. Sometimes referred to as the Manual of Discipline, this scroll offers insight into the structure and principles of a Jewish sect that lived at Qumran around the first century BCE.

According to the Foundation, this document provides a rare account of how this community was organized, including their core beliefs and daily rituals. It serves as a key resource for scholars studying the roots of communal and religious life in antiquity.

Scroll Rotation Marks End of Rare Exhibit

This rotation is part of a broader initiative to preserve the fragile scrolls while still making them accessible to the public. As the only West Coast venue to host this iteration of the exhibit, the Reagan Library has been a rare destination for viewing these artifacts.

Melissa Giller, chief marketing officer at the Reagan Foundation, emphasized the exhibit's significance during the 75th anniversary of the Dead Sea Scrolls discovery. She noted that sharing these sacred texts aligns with President Reagan’s dedication to promoting faith, history and cultural understanding.

“The public has a desire to connect with the ancient roots of modern civilization and religion,” Giller said, adding that the Library is proud to facilitate that connection through this once-in-a-lifetime display.

Artifacts Span Centuries and Regions

Alongside the newly installed scrolls, the exhibit features more than 400 artifacts that contextualize the historical importance of the manuscripts. Items on display include the Sea of Galilee Boat, an ancient vessel dating back to the first century, and the Magdala Stone, linked to early Jewish worship practices.

In previous rotations, visitors had the chance to view other prominent scrolls such as the Isaiah Scroll known as 4Q57 and the Ten Commandments Scroll. Like 4Q260, those texts played instrumental roles in expanding historical understanding of early Jewish traditions.

The scrolls featured in the exhibit are part of the Israel Antiquities Authority’s National Treasures collection. This ensures that the historical items are preserved under international heritage protocols while allowing for temporary cultural exhibitions abroad.

Weeks Remaining for Final Viewing

With the exhibit set to close on September 2, visitors have a limited time to view some of humanity’s oldest religious documents firsthand. The final weeks are expected to draw increased attendance as word spreads about this rare cultural experience.

The exhibition was curated by West Wall Exhibitions in collaboration with the Reagan Foundation, bringing together international resources and expert scholarship. The event’s structure reflects a careful balance between accessibility and conservation.

The Reagan Foundation was established to uphold the legacy of President Ronald Reagan, promoting educational programs and global awareness reflecting his core principles. Hosting a world-class cultural exhibition fits squarely within that mission.

Scholarly Importance Echoes Through Time

Foundation representatives highlighted the scholarly importance of the Community Rule Scroll, calling it a foundational text offering unparalleled insights into early Jewish community life. The scroll’s detailed regulations on conduct and belief make it a unique artifact among the broader Dead Sea Scrolls collection.

Visitors to the exhibition not only see an ancient document, but also gain perspective on early Judeo-Christian cultural influences that continue to shape society today. The combination of texts and artifacts provides a more holistic understanding of the region’s spiritual and historical development.

As the final scroll rotation reaches the public, the Reagan Library invites both scholars and casual visitors to take advantage of this fleeting opportunity. With the exhibit concluding soon, interest is expected to intensify during the final weeks.