Society of Museum Archaeologists

The Society of Museum Archaeologists

Promotes museum involvement in all aspects of archaeology and emphasise the unique contribution of museums to the essential unity of the archaeological profession
Promotes greater public understanding of the archaeological past and a fuller public appreciation of the importance of archaeology
Campaigns for the acceptance of museums as guardians of a vital part of the nation's heritage and as the appropriate location for the storage and interpretation of all archaeological material
Develops a coherent philosophy for the role of archaeologists in museums

It aims to achieve this by

Acting as a pressure group within the museum profession and offering advice to the Museums Association and other national bodies on current issues of archaeological importance
Encouraging closer relations with colleagues outside museums, and with other organisations involved in archaeology
Working towards the improvement of all aspects of archaeological work in museums

Major Project for 2011/12

'The archaeological resource in store - informing the future'
The debate continues about the selection, retention and disposal of archaeological archives and the SMA, in collaboration with English Heritage and the Federation of Archaeological Managers and Employers (FAME) are seeking clarity for the archaeological sector.

The project 'Evaluating the archaeological resource in store - informing the future' is seeking to address the concerns of archaeological contractors, museum curators, and local authority archaeological officers by gaining a comprehensive overview of the state and status of archaeological archives across Britain. This will arm the wider sector with the information it needs to take action, so if your institution is contacted with a questionnaire we would urge you please to give it priority and fill it in. It may benefit you!

Society of Museum Archaeologists

The Society of Museum Archaeologists

It aims to achieve this by

News and updates

Major Project for 2011/12