Standards & Ethics
Standards & Ethics
The Historical Archaeological Society (HAS) is committed to promoting the highest standards of professional conduct and ethical practice in historical archaeology. Ethical responsibility and methodological rigor are essential to preserving the archaeological record and ensuring that research results are accurate, defensible, and respectful of the communities connected to the past.
HAS encourages its members to conduct archaeological work in accordance with established professional principles, applicable laws, and best practices in fieldwork, documentation, analysis, and publication.
Professional Standards
HAS supports professional standards that emphasize:
Responsible Fieldwork
Archaeological excavation should be systematic, well-documented, and guided by clearly defined research goals. Field methods must minimize disturbance while maximizing the quality and reliability of recovered data.
Accurate Documentation
Proper recording of stratigraphy, provenience, context, and associated materials is essential. Documentation should be clear, consistent, and preserved in formats that support long-term access and reuse.
Research Integrity
Archaeological interpretations must be grounded in evidence and transparent methodology. Data, findings, and interpretations should be shared responsibly through reports, publications, and presentations.
Compliance with Laws & Regulations
Members are expected to comply with all applicable local, state, federal, and international laws governing archaeological research, site access, permits, and collections management.
Ethical Principles
HAS promotes ethical practice based on the following principles:
Stewardship
Archaeological resources are finite and non-renewable. Members have a responsibility to protect sites, collections, and records for present and future generations.
Respect for Communities
Archaeological practice must respect descendant communities, landowners, and stakeholders. Engagement should be inclusive, transparent, and culturally sensitive.
Accountability & Professional Conduct
Members are expected to act with honesty, fairness, and professionalism in research, employment, collaboration, and public engagement.
Discouraging Looting & Commercialization
HAS strongly opposes looting, the illicit trade in artifacts, and any practice that removes archaeological materials from their documented context or public trust.
ethics@historicalarchsociety.org
Mon – Fri: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
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