About the Arizona Archaeological Society

The Arizona Archaeological Society was founded in 1964 as a independent, non-profit, state-wide volunteer organization to serve as a bond between professional archaeologists and avocational nonprofessional volunteers in order to foster interest and research in the archaeology of Arizona; to encourage better public understanding and concern for archaeological and cultural resources; and, to protect antiquities by discouraging exploitation of archaeological resources.

The AAS was a recipient of the 2003 Arizona Culturekeepers Award. The Arizona Culturekeepers is a program designed to celebrate Arizonans who have made a positive impact on the Grand Canyon State's history, culture, environment and/or economy. The award noted that "Without groups like the Arizona Archaeological Society, some of the state's most precious prehistoric cultural resources would be lost forever."

The objectives of the AAS are:

• To foster interest and research in the archaeology of Arizona.
• To encourage public understanding and concern for archaeological and cultural resources.
• To protect antiquities by discouraging exploitation of archaeological resources.
• To aid in the conservation and preservation of scientific archaeological data and associated sites.
• To serve as a bond between the professional and the avocational archaeologist.
• To increase knowledge and improve the skills of the members in the discipline of archaeology.
• To participate in investigations in the field of archaeology and to put the information so obtained into published form.
• To publish a journal and such monographs as the Publication Committee deems appropriate.

AAS members participate through their area chapters where they improve their knowledge and skills and participate in certification and field programs.

We encourage you to look through this web site to learn more about the AAS at the state and chapter levels.

The organization celebrated 50 years of service in 2014.

 AAS Historical Accomplishments  <<<Please click this link to view AAS historical accomplishments

 AAS Spin Off Organizations   <<<Please click this link to view spin off organizations