Advocacy

Founded in 1879, the AIA was chartered by the United States Congress in 1906, in recognition of its role in the development and passage of the Antiquities Act, which Theodore Roosevelt signed into law that year. Today, the AIA remains committed to preserving the world’s archaeological resources and cultural heritage for the benefit of people in the present and in the future.

News, Issues, and Initiatives

What You Need to Know About Section 106: A reading list to help you understand what’s changing, and what’s at stake.

August 14, 2026

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 […]

An Important Message from AIA President Brian I. Daniels

August 12, 2026

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 […]

Urgent Threats to the Lower Pecos Canyonlands Archaeological District 

August 7, 2026

The Lower Pecos Canyonlands of Texas contain one of the oldest and densest concentrations of ancient rock paintings (pictographs) in the Americas. Current border barrier construction threatens 165 miles of […]

AIA Responds to Threats to American-Funded Research

August 5, 2026

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 […]

AIA Advocates to Protect the Landscape and Sites Surrounding Chaco Canyon

July 31, 2026

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 […]

Preserving Albania, Nigeria, and Romania

June 11, 2026

“Butrint (Buthrotum) – The Great Basilica,” © 2014 by Pudelek, used under CC BY-SA Your experience matters! Join our letter writing campaign to save a place you love. The Cultural […]

2026 Site Preservation Grant Spotlight: Conserving Kenya’s Kanjera Heritage

May 21, 2026

The recipient of this year’s Site Preservation Grant is: The Kanjera Archaeological Site Preservation Project The Site Preservation Grant provides $15,000 to fund innovative conservation projects that uphold the AIA’s […]

2026 Site Preservation Spotlight: Preserving the Heritage of Axum, Ethiopia

May 21, 2026

The recipient of the Nancy Wilkie Emergency Funds for Heritage Preservation is: The Axum Archaeological Site The Nancy Wilkie Emergency Funds for Heritage Preservation provides rapid support to safeguard endangered […]

Upcoming Advocacy Webinars: Protecting Greece’s and Egypt’s Cultural Heritage

February 6, 2026

As the U.S. Cultural Property Advisory Committee (CPAC) prepares to meet to review bilateral cultural property agreements, the Archaeological Institute of America is hosting two timely advocacy webinars focused on […]

Preserving Bolivia, Egypt, and Greece

January 27, 2026

“Rostro Andino,” © 2025 by Wilder Q, used under CC BY-SA Your experience matters! Join our letter writing campaign to save a place you love. The Cultural Property Advisory Committee […]

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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.