Archaeological Archives Forum   The archive, whether finds, documentation or both, is a key product of archaeological investigation and it may be the only record of a historical site destroyed by development. However the field of archaeological archives is one beset by many challenges, some of which are proving difficult to overcome, such as a lack of storage facilities and good public access to the resource.

Latest news (February 2008) - new documents to download
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• Summary Progress Report 2002–2007 in Word DOC (56KB) and PDF (52KB)
• AAF Forward Agenda 2007–10 in Word DOC (33KB) and PDF (19KB)

July 2007: Archaeological Archives: creation, preparation, transfer and curation
Archaeological archives are an essential element of the archaeological resource. That mass of collected paper, drawings, photographs, objects and digital data, is a resource that enables not only the reinterpretation of original findings, but also provides the raw material for further research, informs museum displays and teaching collections and gives every member of our society access to the evidence for our shared past.

In May 2004, 'A Review Of Standards In England For The Creation, Preparation And Deposition Of Archaeological Archives' was received by the Archaeological Archives Forum (AAF). This report highlighted major inconsistencies in the ways various types of archaeological practitioner perceive their role within the archaeological archiving process. Planning archaeologists, contracting units, specialists and museum curators were all consulted, together with as much documentation as possible.

The AAF asked the Institute of Field Archaeologists (IFA) to manage the preparation of a best practice guidance document that brings together procedures in all stages of the archive process, that has the support of all areas of the archaeological profession, and is available to all practitioners. The final version of the document, written by Duncan H. Brown of Southampton Museums, is now available to download (in PDF format). It is a comprehensive, practical and exhaustive guide to the whole process of archaeological archiving for both material and documentary archives, from project planning through to final deposition and the archive’s subsequent curation. The document will also inform IFA in the preparation of a Standard and guidance for the creation, preparation, transfer and curation of archaeological archives.

The Forum was established in 2002 to:

• link together in partnership all major parties with an interest in archaeological archives in order that common policies and practice can be developed and applied
• identify the courses of action necessary to further best practice in the field of archaeological archives and to effect the means to achieve this action

Philip Wise of the Society of Museum Archaeologists chairs the Forum. Julie Satchell and Jesse Ransley jointly fulfill the role of the Secretary.

The starting point for the work of the Forum is a report prepared by Kathy Perrin which presents the results of a rapid survey undertaken across the archaeological resource management sector, identifying the issues involved and noting ideas for progress. It discusses the options for the future and recommends an action plan for a way forward.

Terms of reference for the Forum

Minutes of the first Forum meeting, held on 27 May 2002
Minutes of the second Forum meeting, held on 7 October 2002
Minutes of the third Forum meeting, held on 24 March 2003
Minutes of the fourth Forum meeting, held on 13 October 2003
Minutes of the fifth Forum meeting, held on 30 March 2004
Minutes of the sixth Forum meeting, held on 19 October 2004
Minutes of the seventh Forum meeting, held on 15 March 2005
Minutes of the eighth Forum meeting, held on 30 November 2005
Minutes of the ninth Forum meeting, held on 22 March 2006
Minutes of the tenth Forum meeting, held on 20 February 2007

Annual report 2003, published September 2003

Access to archaeological archives, a report for Resource and the Archaeological Archives Forum, by Val Bott (2003), word document, pdf
This study sought to define costs associated with the storage of, and provision of access to, archaeological archives in museums.

Archaeological Collections Areas Database and Map (Society of Museum Archaeologists, 2003), a survey commissioned in September 2002 by the Society of Museum Archaeologists, with funding provided by English Heritage. The research was carried out by Val Bott, a museum consultant.

A review of standards in England for the creation, preparation and deposition of archaeological archives, undertaken for the Archaeological Archives Forum by Duncan Brown (2003).

Disaster management planning for archaeological archives, by Kenneth Aitchison (2004), published as the Institute of Field Archaeologists Technical Paper 8. This paper sets out in the required detail the considerations that need to be addressed in preparing and implementing a disaster management plan for archaeological archives. [PDF file format]

Details of an open meeting on the topic of Archaeological Resource Centres, held on 27 October 2004 in London, with an opening address by Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage.

 For further information about the work of the Forum please contact Philip Wise.

Last updated 17 July 2007