The Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) promotes a vivid and informed public interest in the cultures and civilizations of the past, supports archaeological research, fosters the sound professional practice of archaeology, advocates the preservation of the world’s archaeological heritage, and represents the discipline in the wider world. A nonprofit organization, the AIA also seeks to educate people of all ages about the significance of archaeological discovery and is committed to preserving the world’s archaeological resources and cultural heritage.

Upcoming AIA Events at UVA

The Society for American Archaeology (SAA) is an international organization dedicated to the research, interpretation, and protection of the archaeological heritage of the Americas. With more than 7,000 members, the society represents professional, student, and avocational archaeologists working in a variety of settings including government agencies, colleges and universities, museums, and the private sector. Since its inception in 1934, SAA has endeavored to stimulate interest and research in American archaeology; advocated and aid in the conservation of archaeological resources; encourage public access to and appreciation of archaeology; oppose all looting of sites and the purchase and sale of looted archaeological materials; and serve as a bond among those interested in the archaeology of the Americas.

Formed in 1967, the Society for Historical Archaeology (SHA) is the largest scholarly group concerned with the archaeology of the modern world (A.D. 1400-present). The main focus of the society is the era since the beginning of European exploration. SHA promotes scholarly research and the dissemination of knowledge concerning historical archaeology. The society is specifically concerned with the identification, excavation, interpretation, and conservation of sites and materials on land and underwater. Geographically the society emphasizes the New World, but also includes European exploration and settlement in Africa, Asia, and Oceania.

The Archaeological Society of Virginia's goals are: To promote the study of archeology and anthropology, especially but not limited to the prehistoric and historic periods in Virginia; To work for the proper conservation and exploration of archeological sites and materials; To encourage the scientific study of archeological sites and materials and to discourage careless, misdirected, or commercial collecting of artifacts; To promote the spread of archeological knowledge through the media of publications, meetings, lectures, exhibits, etc.; To collaborate with other organizations and agencies that serve the same purposes as those of this society; To serve as a bond between individual members and as a link with similar organizations in other states

Incorporated in 2016, the American Institute for Southeast European Studies (AISEES) is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting scholarly contacts and cultural exchanges between North America and southeastern Europe. AISEES was developed to promote greater knowledge of southeastern Europe and encourage research in all aspects of humanities and social sciences related to the countries in this region, including: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia. 
AISEES offers fellowships for North American scholars to conduct research and study in southeastern Europe and grant opportunities for southeastern European scholars to come to the US in order to participate in conferences. These are described under Fellowships and Grants.