Following its successful opening on May 12, 2026, the landmark international exhibition and academic symposium “Khutughtu and Lattimore: Legacy Beyond Borders” officially concluded its run at the National Museum of Mongolia on June 12, 2026. This project marked a profound milestone in exploring and preserving the lifelong friendship between the Diluv Khutughtu Jamsranjab, a towering Mongolian political and religious figure, and Owen Lattimore, the legendary pioneer of Western Mongolian studies.
Special Appreciation: The Return of a Precious Heirloom
Our deepest gratitude goes to Anne Lattimore Price, Owen Lattimore’s granddaughter. Her generous donation of never-before-seen family photographs and materials to the ACMS officially kickstarted this collaborative vision.
Furthermore, her personal journey to Ulaanbaatar to repatriate the Diluv Khutughtu’s personal snuff bottle (khoorog), passed down through three generations of the Lattimore family, served as the emotional centerpiece of the project. The snuff bottle has now found its permanent home at the National Museum of Mongolia.
We also thank Dr. Angaragsuren Odkhuu (National Library of Mongolia) for beautifully curating this extensive collection.
As this incredible month-long cultural and academic journey comes to a close, we look back at the deep impact of the project and extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made it possible.
Exclusive: One-Day Guided Tour with Prof. Christopher Atwood
A major highlight during the exhibition's run was an exclusive, one-day guided tour led by the world-renowned historian Prof. Christopher Atwood (University of Pennsylvania) on May 25, 2026.
Attendees were given a rare, deeply detailed walkthrough of the gallery, where Prof. Atwood brought the archival artifacts, letters, and photographs to life. He shared fascinating inner thoughts of the Diluv Khutughtu during his exile, and how Owen Lattimore meticulously documented these moments. This educational tour provided students, diplomats, and history enthusiasts with an unforgettable, masterclass-level perspective on the collection.
A Global Archival Milestone
The exhibition represented an unprecedented collaborative effort, uniting rare and diverse archival materials across continents. We were deeply honored to showcase historical treasures from:
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International Institutions: Anne Lattimore Price's private collections, Harvard University’s Peabody Museum, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), and the Library of Congress, and Brian Moser’s personal archives (via Titus Fossgard-Moser).
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Local & National Archives: The National Museum of Mongolia, The Special Archives of the General Intelligence Agency of Mongolia, the National Archives of Mongolia, the Zavkhan Museum, and The National Library of Mongolia
Public Engagement: Mobile Exhibition at America Days (June 6-7)
Just a week before the main museum collection officially closed, we wanted to ensure the broader public had a chance to connect with this historic legacy. On June 6-7, 2026, the ACMS team launched a special Mobile Exhibition at the annual America Days event.
A Lasting Foundation
This project, proudly spearheaded by the Diluv Hutugthu Foundation (DHF) and the American Center for Mongolian Studies (ACMS), stands as a historic testament to over a century of cultural exchange.
We extend our deepest gratitude to H.E. Telo Tulku Rinpoche and Uyangoo Badamsambuu from the Diluv Hutugthu Foundation, alongside Maggie Lindrooth and Davaasuren Myagmar from the ACMS. Special thanks go to our distinguished project advisors, Dr. Bold Ravdan, Dr. Saruul-Erdene Myagmar, Prof. Batsaikhan Ookhnoi, and Academician Batbayar Tsedendamba, whose invaluable guidance and expertise shaped this initiative.
Our heartfelt thanks also go out to the entire organizing team, dedicated volunteers, and the thousands of attendees who visited the exhibition over the past month. You have all helped reinforce a beautiful truth: the bridge between our two nations was built not just on policy, but on a solid, timeless foundation of profound personal friendship, cross-cultural understanding, and mutual respect.
Thank you to everyone who partook in this historic legacy!
