Public Engagement Award

The Archaeological Institute of America's Outreach and Education Committee offers the Public Engagement Award to recognize the broad and important range of outreach conducted by AIA members. This inaugural award honors members who engage in outreach and partnerships (virtual and in person) that benefit non-specialist audiences including K-12 classrooms, senior centers, community organizations, museum visitors, library patrons, and other diverse groups of learners. To qualify, self-nominees must have dedicated a minimum of 12 hours to public engagement work and/or participated in three separate public engagements during the eligible period (September 2025 to August 2026). The engagement activities must not be a required part of the member's professional duties. Award recipients are recognized in tiered categories (Gold, Silver, and Bronze) and will be notified in November 2026 with formal recognition at the Annual Meeting in January 2027.