The Narragansett Society is an active branch of the Archaeological Institute of America, which aims to expand archaeological knowledge and appreciation of the ancient world through a wide variety of lectures and events open to the public.

This local society of the AIA was originally founded in 1908 as the Rhode Island society, renamed the Providence society in 1936 and renamed the Narragansett society in 1982, which it continues to be called today.

Schedule and Events

Each year the Narragansett Society organizes a number of social events and a lecture series comprised of archaeologists both local and from around the country. Unless otherwise indicated, lectures will generally take place at 5:30 pm in Rhode Island Hall (60 George Street, Providence, RI).

Follow the link above for schedules of past events and discussion fora related to them.

Fall 2009

• End of an Empire: Archaeology and the Collapse of Urartu by Paul Zimansky (State University of New York, Stony Brook). September 23rd 2009, Wednesday at 5:30 pm. Brown University, Rhode Island Hall (60 George Street, Providence, RI).

• The Horse is Man's Wings: Archaeological Science and the Changing Nature of the Human-Horse Relationship in Central and East Asia in Prehistory by Mim Bower (McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, University of Cambridge). October 22nd 2009, Thursday at 5:30 pm. Brown University, Rhode Island Hall (60 George Street, Providence, RI).

• Sand, Sphinx and Silty Settlements: AERA Excavations and Climate Change by Mark Lehner (Director, Ancient Egypt Research Associates). November 11th 2009, Wednesday at 5:30 pm. Brown University, Rhode Island Hall (60 George Street, Providence, RI).

Spring 2010

• The Chemistry of Kinship: Daidalos and Kothar Revisited by Andrew Koh (Tufts University). February 11th 2010, Thursday at 5:30 pm. Brown University, Rhode Island Hall (60 George Street, Providence, RI).

• Archaeology in Sri Lanka: Challenges and Prospects for the Future by Nancy C. Wilkie (William H. Laird Professor of Classics, Anthropology and the Liberal Arts, Carleton College). March 3rd 2010, Wednesday at 5:30 pm. Brown University, Rhode Island Hall (60 George Street, Providence, RI).

• Selling the Holy Land: The Trade in Middle Eastern Antiquities by Morag M. Kersel (Postdoctoral Fellow, Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World). March 31st 2010, Wednesday at 5:30 pm. Brown University, Rhode Island Hall (60 George Street, Providence, RI).

• Early Sea-Farers in the Mediterranean: Cretan Evidence for Pre-Homo sapiens Mariners by Thomas Strasser (Providence College) and Curtis Runnels (Boston University). April 7th 2010, Wednesday at 5:30 pm. Providence College, Moore Hall I (1 Cunningham Square, Providence RI).

The officers of the Narragansett society assume the various administrative and organizational duties that allow it to function. Please do not hesitate to contact them with any questions, concerns or suggestions in regard to any aspects of the society.

• Laurel Bestock and Ömür Harmansah, Presidents
• Rosalie and Charles Baker, Vice-Presidents
• Alex Knodell, Secretary
• Jessica Nowlin, Treasurer

Membership

Members of the Narragansett Society and AIA range from professional archaeologists to archaeology enthusiasts. Click on the link above or contact Alex Knodell, secretary of the Narragansett Society, to become a member.

The benefits of becoming an AIA member of the Narragansett Society are numerous and include:

• Affiliation with the Narragansett Society, where you can attend lectures by distinguished archaeologists and participate in other engaging events. There are over one hundred local societies in the United States and Canada.
• The latest archaeological news through the bi-annual AIA Newsletter, and the weekly eReport.
• 30% discount on registration for the AIA Annual Meeting, where the latest archaeological research and discoveries are presented.
• 10% discount on archaeologically-focused books published by the AIA
• The opportunity to join one of 9 archaeology-related interest groups. Interest groups bring together AIA members with shared interests in specific topics, usually regional or scholarly areas of study.
• An exclusive membership decal to proudly display your connection to America’s oldest and largest archaeological organization.
• Information about AIA Tours which explore the world’s most intriguing archaeological sites with leading AIA experts.
• Eligibility to apply for one of numerous AIA fellowships for students and other scholars. Academic job seekers may also use job placement services at the AIA Annual Meeting.
• Members may choose to receive one or both of the AIA’s premier publications: Archaeology Magazine and the American Journal of Archaeology.

Please check the AIA website for further information on AIA membership. Questions regarding overall AIA membership can be sent to Tracy Spurrier, the AIA Membership Services Coordinator.

Links and Resources

Address:

Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World
Brown University
Box 1837 / 60 George St
Providence, RI 02912

Please also feel free to email any of the officers using the links above.