Archaeology is the study of the past through its material remains. When there are no written records we can know the people who lived here before us only through the objects they left behind. For all but a few centuries of the 10,000 or so years Ontario has been inhabited there are no written records. Even for those last few centuries archaeology supplements our picture of the past.

The Ontario Archaeological Society (OAS) was founded in 1959. Its aims are to promote and advance archaeology particularly in the Province of Ontario by facilitating co-operation and the exchange of ideas among those interested in archaeology and excavation and to stimulate the interest of the general public in archaeology. Chapters now exist in Toronto, Hamilton, London, Windsor, Thunder Bay, Huronia, Peterboroughand Ottawa. OAS members may choose to belong to more than one chapter.

Meetings of the Ottawa Chapter of the OAS usually take place on the second or third Thursday of the month (excepting June, July and August) at 7:30 pm at the Sandy Hill Community Centre, located at 250 Somerset Street E. These include slide presentations, lecture series and special events. Meetings are open to the public.

Digs-What a tale can be told by the treasures excavated by avocational archaeologists, as directed by trained, licenced professionals. Chapter members have participated in digs at South Lake and other sites along the Ottawa, Rideau and Bonnechere Rivers.

Trips-OAS members have travelled on archaeological tours to Egypt, Mexico, Greece and China. Chapter members enjoy trips to sites of local and provincial interest.

Publications-As a member of the Ontario Archaeological Society you receiveArch Notes, a newsletter published six times a year, and Ontario Archaeology, a scholarly journal published twice a year. You also occasionally receive Monographs in OntarioArchaeology which is available to members either free or at a nominal charge. As a member of the Ottawa Chapter, you receive the Ottawa Archaeologist providing news of the Chapter's events and current research.

Symposia-In October-November, the two-day OAS symposium and annual general meeting of the Society is held in a major Ontario centre to provide an update on developments in Ontario and surrounding areas.

Interested in becoming more involved in preserving the prehistory of Ontario? Consider becoming a volunteer with the Ottawa Chapter. Members are an enthusiastic group of individuals with a variety of experiences and interests. They participate in a wide range of Chapter initiatives which include public archaeology events, organizing tours and contributing ideas.

Check out our information brochure (pdf)