About the ASJ

HISTORY

The predecessor of the Archaeological Society of Jamaica (ASJ) began in February 1965 when Dr. James W. Lee wrote to fellow archaeology enthusiasts suggesting that a club the “Archaeological Club of Jamaica” be formed. The objectives were to provide information and assistance to the professional archaeologists, and to maintain public interest in this field, and simultaneously, to be watchmen to prevent the destruction of sites.

List of Founding Members

• Mr. R.E. Anderson
• Capt. C.S. Cotter
• Dr. J.M. Cruxent
• Dr. R.R. Howard
• Dr. J.W. Lee
• Mr. C.B. Lewis
• Br. Michael, C.P.
• Fr. F.J. Osbourne, S.J.
• Lt. Comm. J.S. Tyndale-Biscoe
• Mr. Ronald Vanderwal

Five years later on September 5, 1970, the Archaeological Society of Jamaica was inaugurated and a Constitution adopted. In 1970 the Society had about 40 members; currently the membership totals 200 members. The present membership of ASJ includes Professional Archaeologists, Cultural Resource Managers, Amateur Archaeologists, Archaeology enthusiasts and students both locally and overseas.

MOTTO

To research, preserve and promote Jamaica’s Archaeological Heritage

OBJECTIVES

As highlighted in the ASJ’s Constitution (Revised 2003):

• To locate, study and preserve Jamaican archaeological and historic sites and materials.
• To promote a better appreciation by the general public of the value of these sites and their related materials.
• To co-ordinate fieldwork, organise field trips, lectures and conferences.
• To promote publications of articles relating to Jamaica’s archaeological heritage.
• To facilitate integration between members of the ASJ.
• To exchange information with Universities, Museums and other institution and persons in Jamaica and Overseas having an interest to archaeology.

ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

The ASJ year commences with its Annual General Meeting (AGM), where the Executive Committee is elected, and pertinent ASJ matters discussed. The Society also organises and participates in field trips, surveys, and excavations; in addition, it hosts socials and lectures, and produces its Annual Symposium which is held in April of the given year. A quarterly list of Activities is circulated to ASJ Members. The Society also notifies its members about upcoming events via emails, flyers and telephone calls.

PUBLICATIONS

The main publication of the Archaeological Society of Jamaica is the Archaeology Jamaica newsletter. The first newsletter Archaeology Jamaica was printed in January 1965, and its main objective is to promote archaeological research in the island. The newsletter has undergone various phases: it was initially published monthly, but now it is produced bi-annually. The Society has published the Proceedings of the Annual Symposia 2002-2004 as a Special Edition of the Archaeology Jamaica. In addition the Society occasionally produces Public Awareness and Education articles.