Useful Contacts and Resources

Association for Local Government Archaeological Officers (ALGAO)

ALGAO provides a forum representing archaeologists working for local authorities and national parks throughout the UK. Its members are professional archaeologists employed by local authorities to provide advice on archaeological conservation and management.

Website: https://www.algao.org.uk
Contact: via website

Archaeobotanical Work Group (AWG)

The Archaeobotanical Work Group (AWG) provides a forum for archaeobotanists working in Britain to get together and exchange ideas, discuss issues and share new and interesting discoveries in their field. The group aims to support unit-based and freelance specialists and to promote closer links between research and commercial archaeobotany.

Website: https://historicengland.org.uk/research/current/heritage-science/archaeobotanical-work-group
Contact: AWG@HistoricEngland.org.uk

Archaeological Leather Group

The Archaeological Leather Group promotes the study of leather and leather objects from archaeological and other contexts. 

Website: http://www.archleathgrp.org.uk

Association for the History of Glass

The Association's objectives are to advance public education, knowledge and interest in the historical, archaeological, aesthetic and technological study of glass of all periods and all parts of the world by archaeological, historical and scientific research, connoisseurship, conservation, exhibitions, experiments and other means.

Website: http://www.historyofglass.org.uk
Contact: ahgstudydays@gmail.com

British Association for Biological Anthropology and Osteoarchaeology (BABAO)

BABAO promotes the study of biological (or physical) anthropology for the purpose of understanding the physical development of the human species from the past to the present. It provides a forum for discussion and intellectual exchange for professionals and students in all areas of biological anthropology, the latter being focused on archaeological human remains, including palaeopathology or the study of ancient disease.

Website: https://babao.org.uk

CIfA Finds Group (FG)

The Finds Group is the special interest group within CIfA providing advice on the collection, documentation, conservation and research of archaeological materials.

Website: https://www.archaeologists.net/groups/finds
Contact: groups@archaeologists.net

Finds Research Group

The Finds Research Group is a forum for people interested in or researching artefacts of the Anglo-Saxon, Viking, medieval and post-medieval periods. The group has produced an extensive range of datasheets which can be accessed via their website.

Website: http://www.findsresearchgroup.com
Contact: findsresearch@gmail.com

Historic England (HE)

Historic England is the public body which helps people care for, enjoy and celebrate England's historic environment. Archaeological advice and support can be sought from the (regionally-based) HE Science Advisors (SAs), and/or from HE’s in-house specialists.

Website: https://historicengland.org.uk
Advice: https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/technical-advice/archaeological-science

Institute of Conservation (Icon)

Icon raises awareness of the cultural, social and economic value of caring for heritage and champions high standards of conservation. It can provide advice on the conservation of archaeological materials and hosts the Conservation Register.

Website: https://icon.org.uk
Contact: admin@icon.org.uk

Later Prehistoric Finds Group (LPFG)

The Later Prehistoric Finds Group is interested in the material culture of the Bronze Age and Iron Age in Britain and Europe. A series of datasheets can be found on their website.

Website: https://laterprehistoricfinds.com
Contact: laterprehistoricfindsgroup@gmail.com

Lithic Studies Society

The Lithic Studies Society was founded in 1979 to advance the international study of lithic industries, and particularly flaked and ground artefacts, in the broadest possible context. Our member’s interests are diverse, spanning Palaeolithic to historic periods across many areas of the world.

Website: http://www.lithics.org
Contact: secretary@lithics.org

Medieval and Later Pottery Research Group (MLPRG)

MPRG was founded in 1975 to bring together people with an interest in the pottery vessels that were made, traded, and used in Europe between the end of the Roman period and the 16th century. Its remit has subsequently expanded to include the pottery of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries from both sides of the Atlantic and beyond, as well as post-Roman ceramic building materials. The MPRG guide to vessel forms is an important resource available via their website.

Website: https://www.medievalpottery.org.uk
Contact: secretary@medievalpottery.org.uk

Portable Antiquities Scheme

The Portable Antiquities Scheme, a scheme to encourage the recording of finds found by members of the public, hosts a very useful website comprising the PAS database as well as numerous recording guides and contact details for regional PAS Finds Liaison Officers. Archaeologists have a duty to report any items recovered that fall under the Treasure Act to the relevant PAS officer.

Website: https://finds.org.uk

Prehistoric Ceramics Research Group (PCRG)

The PCRG was formed in 1988 to promote regular contacts between those with interests in prehistoric ceramics, combining the membership of the Iron Age Pottery Research Group, and the First Millennium BC Ceramic Research Group. In 1994, the scope of the group was widened to include ceramics from the Neolithic and Earlier Bronze Age periods.

Website: https://www.prehistoricpottery.org
Contact: secretary@pcrg.org.uk

Professional Zooarchaeology Group (PZG)

The PZG brings together professional animal bone specialists working in commercial, public and academic organisations through twice yearly meetings with themed workshops and peer support.

Website: https://historicengland.org.uk/research/current/heritage-science/pzg
Contact: pzg@HistoricEngland.org.uk

Roman Finds Group (RFG)

The Roman Finds Group (RFG) provides a forum for all those with an interest in Roman artefacts. Founded in 1987, our membership is both professional and amateur.

Website: https://www.romanfindsgroup.org.uk
Contact: via website

Society for Clay Pipe Research

The Society for Clay Pipe Research was founded in 1983 and is based in England but with a worldwide membership. One of the principal aims of the Society is to bring together pipe collectors, researchers and other interested individuals so that they can exchange ideas and information and further their common research interests.

Website: http://scpr.co
Contact: SCPR@talktalk.net

Study Group for Roman pottery (SGRP)

The Study Group for Roman Pottery (SGRP) was formed in 1971 to further the study of pottery of the Roman period in Britain. The group is a registered charity (no. 1185560) that provides a forum for the presentation and discussion of the latest research, and of issues affecting the subject and its practitioners. Resources developed by the group include the National Roman Fabric Reference Collection (http://romanpotterystudy.org.uk/nrfrc/base/index.php) and the gazetteer of The Pottery Kilns of Roman Britain by Vivien Swan (https://romankilns.net/). Both are available via the group website.

Website: https://romanpotterystudy.org.uk
Contact: secretary@romanpotterystudy.org.uk

The Historical Metallurgy Society

The Historical Metallurgy Society is a dynamic and exciting international forum for the exchange of information and research in historical metallurgy. The society covers all aspects of the history of metals and associated materials from prehistory to the present. Members' interests range from processes and production through technology and economics to archaeology and conservation.

Website: https://historicalmetallurgy.org