The Society for American Archaeology (SAA) is a professional organization dedicated to the research, interpretation, and protection of the archaeological heritage of the Americas. Here is an overview of the SAA:
The SAA was founded in 1934 by a group of American archaeologists who saw the need for an organization dedicated solely to the study of the Americas' prehistory. This was a time when archaeology was becoming more scientific, and there was a growing interest in the systematic study of the continent's past cultures. The first meeting was held at the University of Colorado Boulder in 1935, where the society officially adopted its name and established its initial goals.
The SAA publishes several key journals and resources:
Each year, the SAA holds an annual meeting where members gather to share research findings, discuss current issues, and plan for the future of the discipline. These meetings are significant for networking, professional development, and the presentation of new archaeological discoveries.
The SAA is committed to ethical practices in archaeology. It has established principles of archaeological ethics which include:
The SAA has a diverse membership which includes professional archaeologists, students, avocational archaeologists, and others interested in the field. Membership benefits include access to publications, discounted registration for the annual meeting, and opportunities for professional development.