Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) has its own official website
Website Review
The Archaeological Institute of America (AIA), a non-profit organization, shares much more than its monthly periodical Archaeology that many of us enjoy; even more than its periodical's website with its virtual digs. As a matter of fact the AIA has its own "official" website www.archaeological.org that lists all the AIA offers in the field of archaeology.
The Archaeological Institute of America's redesigned (as of the September/October 2010 issue of Archaeology magazine) "official" website www.archaeological.org is brimming with facts about this organization. It is free to use and easy to browse through. Some of the tidbits found included the AIA's mission, history, accomplishments in the field of Archaeology, and how it helps Archaeologists and their findings. I enjoyed sifting through the well organized buttons and informational posts on this website; very interesting without a lot of field jargon.
What does the Archaeological Institute of America represent? The AIA is dedicated to promoting a vivid and informed public interest in the cultures and civilizations of the past, supports archaeological research, fosters the sound professional practice of archaeology, advocates the preservation of the world’s archaeological heritage, and represents the discipline in the wider world. The AIA also seeks to educate people of all ages about the significance of archaeological discovery and is committed to preserving the world’s archaeological resources and cultural heritage. (Mission of the Archaeological Institute of America)
The AIA hosts Archaeology Fairs, Archaeological Conferences, and has a lecture program that features experts from the Archaeological field. The AIA has numerous events listed on its website for the convenience of those interested or already participating in the field of Archaeology.
The AIA lecture program includes free public lectures where "top scholars from North America and abroad will be presenting a wide range of current archaeological topics at Societies throughout the United States and Canada." (per AIA official website)
The Archaeology Fairs are special organized events that present archaeological themed programs and interactive archaeological fun activities for the entire family. These fairs are geared to educate and bring the world of Archaeology to all ages. These are wholesome family fun events to participate; all are welcome.
The AIA furthermore works with other archaeological entities regarding archaeological workshops. Many archaeological workshops are held abroad or in the United States. These workshops are recommended for those participating and seriously interested about Archaeology.
The AIA has a scholarship program for Archaeology majors or field related disciplines who "have begun their junior year of undergraduate studies at the time of application and have not yet completed their first year of graduate school at a college or university in the United States or Canada. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and must not have previously participated in archaeological field work. This scholarship was designed for paying the expenses for participation in an archaeological field work project for a minimum stay of one month." Those interested who qualify are encouraged to apply. For full scholarship details, please visit the AIA official website.
Another facet of the AIA is its Site Preservation Program. This is structured for the global preservation of archaeological sites (digs) and places of historical significance like the site in Belize with unique Mayan wooden structures, the Paleo-Indian cultures sites, the Gault Site in Texas and the historical landmarks in Great Britain. The Site Preservation Program is grant funds related; has rescued many. Without this program, numerous artifacts, landmarks, runestones, mosaics as well as historical and archaeological places would have been destroyed or worse, left unpreserved and unprotected.
The Archaeological Institute of America is dedicated to the excavating, educating, advocating and preserving the remains of the numerous past cultures and heritage throughout the Earth. This is extremely important for through Archaeology, the past can teach all about their ancestors and ancient civilizations.
The AIA has memberships available to the public plus those in the field of Archaeology. Being a non-profit organization donations are welcome. The best way to get to know the AIA is to become a member and/or involve oneself in the AIA events. This institute promotes outreach to others to precipitate their knowing what is occurring today in the amazing field of Archaeology.
For further information about the AIA, please visit its official website at: www.archaeological.org or email at Membership@aia.bu.edu
Those interested may write to the AIA at: 656 Beacon Street, 6th floor, Boston, MA 02215-2006
The telephone number that handles AIA information that is not Archaeology magazine related is: (617) 353-9361.
The AIA fax number for AIA information and requests not magazine related is: (617) 353-6550
The AIA specifically requests that if you are a Subscribing Member and have questions regarding your ARCHAEOLOGY subscription, please call 877-275-9782 or email archaeologyclient@emailcustomerservice.com.
Thank you and see you at the AIA special Archaeology events!