Illinois Association for Advancement of Archaeology

Since IAAA is a meber of Council of Allied Societies, we get access to the SAA Archaeological Record. Here's a link so you can read it.

The SAA Archaeological Record • May 2026, Volume 26 Number 3 The SAA Archaeological Record

If you live near Rockton, Illinois (just south of the Wisconsin border, north of Rockford) and you want to get your hands dirty and learn how archaeology is done, consider signing up to participate in the public dig at Macktown Living History. There is a two week field school starting June 1st, but the public can register and participate in the work on June 3rd and June 10th. See the attached flier for more info.

Did you know that a National Park Service archaeological site is here in Illinois? It is also listed on Illinois American 250. This site i New Philadelphia, a town founded in 1836 by formerly enslaved Free Frank McWorter. The town meant new beginnings and an opportunity to free family enslaved in Kentucky. Check out the website and consider going this summer.

History & Culture - New Philadelphia National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service) Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

After a marathon weekend at the Illinois Association for Advancement of Archaeology Annual Meeting, the momentum didn’t slow down—it carried straight into one of the most impactful outreach events of the year.

IAAA President Dr. Addison Kimmel and Rediscovery editor Bill Iseminger brought that energy to the Sun Foundation’s Clean Water Celebration, connecting archaeology with more than 1,000 students and teachers from across the Peoria region.

At their booth, archaeology came alive. Students didn’t just learn about the past, they experienced it. They explored how water has shaped human history, how archaeological evidence helps us understand past lifeways, and why protecting both cultural and natural resources matters today.

This is what makes our field so powerful: even after long days of presentations, meetings, and collaboration, our community shows up—ready to inspire, teach, and make a difference.

From the annual meeting floor to the outreach booth, this was archaeology in action—sharing the past, in the present, for the future.

After a great day yesterday at our Annual Meeting, many members stayed on for a morning tour of Cahokia with the wonderful John Kelly and Bill Isminger. A great time was had by all and so much knowledge shared.

The IAAA is a member of the Council of Allied Societies. This means that IAAA members have access to the Society for American Arachaeology's magazine, The SAA Archaeological Record. Feel free to look through it by clicking the link or cut and paste it into your favorite internet browser.

https://www.mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i=862379&p=1&view=issueViewer

🌊✨ Make Waves with Us in two weeks on April 20th! ✨🌊

After one full year of planning, we’re thrilled to invite you to the Sun Foundation’s 33rd Clean Water Celebration at the Peoria Civic Center! This year’s theme—“Water: Linking Our Past to Our Future”—brings archaeology and environmental science together in a powerful way.

This event is made possible through incredible collaboration with the Prairie Research Institute, the Illinois State Archaeological Survey, the Illinois Association for the Advancement of Archaeology, the Center for Archaeological Investigations, and the Center for American Archeology.

🎤Archaeologist Dr. Dale F. Simpson Jr. will present the keynote address alongside Brian Fox Ellis and Barry Cloyd, blending archaeology, storytelling, and music to explore how water connects us across time.

👣 What to expect:
💧 Hands-on STEM & archaeology activities
🌎 Interactive exhibits
🎶 A dynamic keynote + Parade of Waters
🤝 An amazing community of learners and educators
📅 April 20, 2026
📍 Peoria Civic Center
⏰ 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🎟️ FREE & open to all

Water tells a story—of people, places, and the past.
Come be part of it. See comments for more info.