 What We Do
The purposes of the Society are:
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To promote the study of archeology and anthropology, especially but not limited to, the prehistoric and historic periods in Virginia.
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To work for the proper conservation and exploration of archeological sites and materials.
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To encourage the scientific study of archeological sites and materials and to discourage careless, misdirected or commercial collecting of artifacts.
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To promote the spread of archeological knowledge through the media of publications, meetings, lectures, exhibits, etc
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To collaborate with other organizations and agencies that serve the same purposes as those of this Society.
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To serve as a bond between individual members and as a link with similar organizations in other states.
The Archeological Society of Virginia (ASV) was founded in 1940. It is one of the oldest state societies in the country. It has published a Quarterly Bulletin since its inception. The Quarterly Bulletin has published Ben C. McCary's Fluted Point Survey, the first of its type in the country; the seminal articles on pipe stembore dating analysis by J. C. Harrington, and on Colono Ware by Ivor Noel-Hume; an article by Lewis Binford on Native American Colonial pottery as well as several hundred other authors. The QB is the flagship of the ASV.
The ASV is a member of the Society for American Archaeology, the Virginia Association of Museums, the Eastern States Archaeological Federation, and the Preservation Alliance of Virginia.
Volunteers from the ASV have been the backbone of research and salvage in the Commonwealth for over 50 years. Members of the Society have participated in, or initiated research on hundreds of excavations during the past half century.
Who we are
Members of the ASV come from all walks of life. Many of our members had little or no formal training in the science and art of archeology before they got involved with a local Chapter of the Society. Although the Society boasts a large number of professional archeologists, the majority of the Society's most active members, including a majority of the Board of Director's and the elected officers are amateur archeologists. Herein the title of archeologist is used to describe anyone who participates in archaeological survey, excavation, analysis, or discourse in order to increase their own knowledge, knowledge of archaeology in general, or for the sheer love of doing archeology. Amateur archaeologists participate in archaeological projects for a wide variety of reasons. The term 'volunteer archaeologist' is sometimes used to describe professional archaeologists who are spending their personal time participating in projects. Anyone with an interest in archeology, history, or old things is invited to join the Society. No prior knowledge, skills, or aptitudes are required, although an enjoyment of being outdoors is recommended. We also freely interchange the spellings of archaeology and archeology according to the use preferences of authors.
The Society is a strictly volunteer organization. None of the officers, board members, or support staff are paid for the time they contribute. The money that the Society brings in from dues, book sales, contributions, etc. is used to publish the Quarterly Bulletin, the ASV Newsletter and the Special Publications Series. We support field projects, procure additional volumes for sale, and support the minimal infrastructure of the Society as well.
The ASV Constitution includes more information about the objectives, aims, and goals of the Society www.asv-archeology.org
Contact
Archeological Society of Virginia
P.O. Box 70395
Richmond, VA 23255-0395.
804.273.9291
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