About the Narragansett Society

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. Lectures will generally take place at 5:30 pm in Rhode Island Hall (60 George Street, Providence, RI), but please double-check the schedule in case of changes in time or venue.

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

Fall 2011

• Connections between the Crocus and Ancient Medicine: Was the Enthroned Goddess from Thera Associated with Healing? by Susan C. Ferrence (Director of Publications, INSTAP Academic Press). 23 September 2011.

• Recent Work in the Valley of the Kings by Lawrence Berman (Curator of Ancient Egyptian, Nubian, and Near Eastern Art with the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston). 17 October 2011.

Spring 2012

• Playing with Dolls: Little Girls, Nymphs and Sexuality in Ancient Greece by Ann Marie Knoblauch (School of Visual Arts, Virginia Polytechnic Institute). 1 February 2012.

• Archaeologist Spies: The Truth Behind the Myth by Susan Heuck Allen (Brown University). 7 March 2012.

Current Officers

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
• Sarah Craft, Secretary
• Jessica Nowlin, Treasurer

Membership

Members of the Narragansett Society and AIA range from professional archaeologists to archaeology enthusiasts. Click on the link above and follow the instructions to join online, or contact Sarah Craft, secretary of the Narragansett Society, with any further questions.

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

Contact Information

Address:

The AIA - Narragansett Society
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.