Site Preservation

Every year, thousands of irreplaceable archaeological sites around the world are destroyed by development, looting, vandalism, warfare, environmental changes, and irresponsible tourism. The AIA Site Preservation Program works to safeguard the world’s archaeological heritage for future generations through direct preservation, raising awareness of threats to sites, education, and outreach, and by facilitating the spread of best practices.

The Site Preservation Program provides grants of up to $15,000 to support innovative projects that aid in the preservation of threatened archaeological sites. To date, the AIA Site Preservation Program has supported more than 30 Site Preservation projects on 5 continents!

See Project Pages

The Site Preservation Program seeks to aid in the preservation of threatened archaeological sites by awarding grants that implement conservation, protection and/or monitoring of archaeological sites. Programs that include education and public outreach components are encouraged. Applications are evaluated annually with an application deadline of November 1.

Apply for the Grant

Emergency Preservation Funds

The Nancy Wilkie Emergency Funds for Heritage Preservation provides quick responses to threatening conditions at some of the world’s most amazing archaeological sites and is named in honor of past AIA president Nancy Wilkie.

Saving Sites

“The number of sites needing preservation may seem daunting, but with the AIA’s approach of preserving sites through not only conservation but also outreach, we can educate millions of people to care for their heritage sites.” – Paul Rissman, founder of the Site Preservation Program

You can help save our archaeological heritage by supporting the AIA Site Preservation program.

Don’t think a small contribution will make a difference?  Think again! The AIA’s holistic approach to site preservation allows us to make a maximum impact for minimal costs.

Support our campaign to save sites!

support Us

The AIA is North America's largest and oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to archaeology. The Institute advances awareness, education, fieldwork, preservation, publication, and research of archaeological sites and cultural heritage throughout the world. Your contribution makes a difference.