The Australian Archaeological Association (AAA) is an

archaeological Archaeology or archeology is the study of human activity through the recovery and analysis of material culture. The archaeological record consists of Artifact (archaeology), artifacts, architecture, biofact (archaeology), biofacts or ecofacts, ...

organisation in

Australia Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country comprising mainland Australia, the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania and list of islands of Australia, numerous smaller isl ...

. Membership is open to anyone interested in furthering archaeology in Australia. Sometimes referred to by the nickname ''Triple A'', the association was founded in 1973 at a meeting held during the Australian and New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science (ANZAAS) Congress in

Perth Perth () is the list of Australian capital cities, capital city of Western Australia. It is the list of cities in Australia by population, fourth-most-populous city in Australia, with a population of over 2.3 million within Greater Perth . The ...

, Western Australia, following earlier discussions during the 1972 Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies General Meeting, and the ANZAAS Congress held in

Sydney Sydney is the capital city of the States and territories of Australia, state of New South Wales and the List of cities in Australia by population, most populous city in Australia. Located on Australia's east coast, the metropolis surrounds Syd ...

later that year. The association's aim is to further archaeology in Australia with the stated purpose:

Journal and annual conference

The association has published the journal '' Australian Archaeology'' since 1974. It was originally published as a newsletter for the association and gradually became a

peer-reviewed Peer review is the evaluation of work by one or more people with similar competencies as the producers of the work ( peers). It functions as a form of self-regulation by qualified members of a profession within the relevant field. Peer review ...

academic journal An academic journal (or scholarly journal or scientific journal) is a periodical publication in which Scholarly method, scholarship relating to a particular academic discipline is published. They serve as permanent and transparent forums for the ...

. It is currently published by

Taylor & Francis Taylor & Francis Group is an international company originating in the United Kingdom that publishes books and academic journals. Its parts include Taylor & Francis, CRC Press, Routledge, F1000 (publisher), F1000 Research and Dovepress. It i ...

. AAA hosts an annual conference for its members that rotates around Australian cities. During the annual conference four major awards are generally bestowed: *Rhys Jones Medal for Outstanding Contribution to Australian Archaeology (established in 2002 in honour of Rhys Jones) *Life Membership for Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Archaeological Association *Bruce Veitch Award for Excellence in Indigenous Engagement *John Mulvaney Book Award (established in 2004 in honour of John Mulvaney)

National Archaeology Week

The AAA supports the "National Archaeology Week", which is an annual week long series of events that aims to increase public awareness of Australian archaeology and the work of Australian archaeologists both at home and abroad, and to promote the importance of protecting Australia's unique archaeological heritage. Beginning on the third Sunday in May every year, the program of events and activities includes public lectures, seminars, exhibits, demonstration excavations and displays.

References

External links

* {{authority control Archaeology of Australia Learned societies of Australia Scientific organizations established in 1973 Archaeological organisations based in Australia 1973 establishments in Australia