The Society for Industrial Archeology through its publications, conferences, tours, and projects encourages the study, interpretation, and preservation of historically significant industrial sites, structures, artifacts, and technology. By providing a forum for the discussion and exchange of information, the Society advances an awareness and appreciation of the value of preserving our industrial heritage.

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The Society for Industrial Archeology is a forum on the working past in which people share knowledge as well as the interest and challenge of exploring the structures and sites of our industrial heritage. The Society also seeks to raise awareness among communities, public agencies, and property owners about the advantages of preserving the landscapes, structures, and equipment of significance in the history of technology, engineering, and industry, through continued or adaptive re-use.
Photographs from a recent SIA Conference
From its formation in 1971, (Birth of the SIA) the Society has promoted the study and preservation of the physical survivals of technological and industrial development and change. The "archeology" in the Society's name signifies its principal concern with the tangible evidence of early industry. The SIA reaches across North America for traces of the industrial past. Each year, in different cities or regions with a significant legacy of industrial activity, the SIA holds its late-spring Annual Conference, and a Fall Tour in another interesting location. Central to these gatherings are special tours of contemporary and historic industrial sites and processes. Recent fall IA tours included trips to Ely, NV, Youngstown, Ohio, Detroit, Michigan, Wilmington, Delaware and Northest Montana.
Photographs from a recent SIA Fall Tour
Annual conferences also include presentations of research papers and programs of social activities as well as the presentations of the General Tools Award and the Robert M Vogel Prize. The SIA also awards Student Travel Scholarships every year to help full-time students and professionals with less than three years of full-time experience attend the SIA annual conference. Recent conferences were held in Philadelphia, PA, St. Louis, MO, Milwaukee, WI and Providence, RI.
There are also local chapters of the SIA in a number of cities and regions, offering programs and publications of their own.
All SIA members receive
        • The quarterly Society for Industrial Archeology Newsletter, containing current news and announcements, listings of recent publications of interest, and a calendar of activities
        • IA, The Journal of the Society for Industrial Archeology, published twice yearly. IA is the principal forum for the publication of current research in industrial archeology. Each issue of this peer reviewed journal contains scholarly articles, essays and book reviews.
        • Notification by mail of upcoming conferences and tours
        • Discounts on conference and tour registration fees and SIA publications
        • The SIA membership directory (issued periodically)
        • Access to a network of informed colleagues and the opportunity to share your interests with others from around the world.

SIA Home: http://www.sia-web.org or http://www.siahq.org