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SoCal Connected

Silver Lake's Holyland Exhibition

Nestled in the heart of Silver Lake, the Holyland Exhibition is a treasure trove of artifacts and mementos from the Holy Land gathered by explorer Antonia Futterer, once rumored to have been the inspiration for the popular film "Indiana Jones."

Born in Australia, Futterer was a world-class traveler who mined for gold and sought the Ark of the Covenant, a chest said to contain tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments. Even though he did not find either, some claim Futterer found God -- an act of faith that helped him discover and find his true purpose in life.

He also accumulated a vast collection of keepsakes, antique homemade game tables from Damascus, and other notable antiquities from around the world. Eventually he made home in Los Angeles and founded the Holyland Bible Knowledge Society where he taught bible classes that were open to anyone regardless of their religious beliefs.

Reporter Nick Hardcastle visits the Holyland Exhibition and tours five rooms carrying relics from Futterer's journey to the Holy Land. He interviews mother-daughter duo Karen and Betty Shepard, custodians of the exhibition, who are working to uphold Futterer's legacy and travels.

Featuring Interviews With:

  • Karen and Betty Shepard, Holyland Exhibition
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