Archaeological Institute of America

AIA-Nashville Society invites members to join Parnassus Books and The Parthenon at a special author event with Dr. Emily Wilson. Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/author-event-with-emily-wilson-tickets-1992020069652?aff=ebdsoporgprofile Parnassus Books and The Parthenon are pleased to present an evening with Emily Wilson for her new book, CROSSING THE WINE-DARK SEA.

August 19, 2026 In Memoriam: Former AIA President James Wiseman It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of former AIA President Dr. James R. Wiseman. A Renaissance scholar whose interests spanned archaeological science, remote sensing, and poetry, Dr. Wiseman remained at the forefront of the field for decades. In recognition of his many contributions, the AIA awarded him its Gold Medal in 2008, the Institute’s highest honor.

What You Need to Know About Section 106: A reading list to help you understand what’s changing, and what’s at stake. Since its inception, Section 106 has given state and local governments, Tribal Nations, and the public a voice in protecting historic and cultural sites affected by federal projects. The proposed revisions could have a devastating impact by weakening these protections and limiting opportunities for public input. Want to learn more about Section 106 and what’s at stake?

Last month we shared some of the Archaeological Institute of America’s exciting accomplishments from the last year. I am taking over this month’s e-Update to broadcast to you matters of grave concern for the future of archaeology and the places you love in the United States.

August 7, 2026 Urgent Threats to the Lower Pecos Canyonlands Archaeological District The Lower Pecos Canyonlands of Texas contain one of the oldest and densest concentrations of ancient rock paintings (pictographs) in the Americas.

August 5, 2026 AIA Responds to Threats to American-Funded Research Along with the much of the scientific community in the United States, the AIA is concerned about and watching the proposed new Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance. The AIA is particularly worried that these changes will discourage and minimize opportunities for American-funded research. See the AIA’s full comments to the OMB below:

Dig into history — literally. On August 14, the Pittsford Community Library is hosting a Family Archaeology Day in partnership with members of the Rochester Society, offering an afternoon to explore what’s been found beneath our region’s surface. It’s the kind of afternoon that makes a child look at the ground a little differently on the walk home. When placing events on your calendar using these buttons, please check that time zone displays correctly.

Join members of the Rochester Society of the Archaeological Institute of America for hands-on archaeology activities! Appropriate for all ages, this program will give participants the chance to interact with archeology enthusiasts and sample artifacts. Kids can enjoy play-doh, coloring pages, and archaeology toys, and even try out some archaeology for themselves in a sandbox! When placing events on your calendar using these buttons, please check that time zone displays correctly.

July 31, 2026 AIA Advocates to Protect the Landscape and Sites Surrounding Chaco Canyon Thousands of archaeological sites surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park are in jeopardy as the Bureau of Land Management considers whether to rescind the 10-mile protective buffer that surrounds the National Park. Removing the buffer would open the land to oil, gas, and mining projects.

July 31, 2026 What We Accomplished Together in FY2026 In last month’s AIA e-Update, we highlighted some of the Archaeological Institute of America’s accomplishments from the past fiscal year. None of these achievements would have been possible without the support of our members, donors, volunteers, Local Societies, partners, and the broader AIA community.