Planned Giving

In late nineteenth-century Boston, Harvard University professor Charles Eliot Norton was at the center of the intellectual and cultural "flowering of New England." He invited his colleagues and friends to help form a society "for furthering and directing archaeological and artistic investigation and research” and the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) was born. The AIA, with Norton as its first president, was the first organization in the United States to promote the study of archaeology around the world. Norton’s words continue to inspire the Institute today: "The night of time far surpasseth the day, and it is the task of archaeology to light up some of this long night with its torch, which burns ever with a clearer flame with each advancing step into the darkness."

The Charles Eliot Norton Legacy Society was established to acknowledge the financial support of these exceptional benefactors during their lifetimes. Norton Society members receive a custom-designed sterling silver pin and are recognized in our AIA publications and at the annual Charles Eliot Norton Legacy Society Event at the Annual Meeting.

Over the decades, the generosity of countless individuals has sustained and nurtured Norton’s legacy. The foresight of the Institute’s supporters who have created legacies of their own, through various planned gifts and bequests, are especially valued. They play an essential role in ensuring the Institute’s ability to continue its important work.

For descriptions of the following ways to make a Planned Gift please click on the subject headings.

Bequest
A gift in your will to benefit the Archaeological Institute of America is a simple and gratifying way to express your desire to promote worldwide understanding and appreciation of past cultures.

Retirement Fund
Your retirement plan offers an opportunity to create a meaningful legacy for the AIA. It is easy to make a gift to AIA from your IRA or other retirement account.
For more details, click here.

Gift Annuity
A Charitable Gift Annuity is one of the most popular giving vehicles for just about everyone. It provides the donor with a stream of income and favorable tax advantages.

Lead Trust
If you would like to support the AIA and to minimize estate and gift taxes on assets you wish to pass on to your family, the Charitable Lead Trust is an excellent way to meet both goals.

Real Estate
If you have owned your home, a vacation home, acreage or a farm for many years, a charitable gift of that real estate may be especially tax-advantageous.

Bargain Sale
A Bargain Sale can be a win-win scenario for both the donor and the Archaeological Institute of America.

Remainder Trust
A Charitable Remainder Trust is an outstanding way to make a gift to the AIA much larger than you may have thought possible, and to enjoy increased income and excellent tax benefits at the same time.

Insurance
A gift of life insurance is one of the most efficient ways to make a major gift to the Archaeological Institute of America.

If you have already remembered the AIA in your will or estate plans, please notify the development office so that we may contact you about your membership in the Charles Eliot Norton Legacy Society.

If you would like to receive more detailed information about any of these Planned Giving options please call 877-524-6300 (toll free) or 617-353-8709, fax 617-353-6550, or email Jennifer Klahn.