Welcome to the World Archaeological Congress

The World Archaeological Congress is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organization and is the only archaeological organisation with elected global representation. Its programs are run by members who give their time in a voluntary capacity. Membership is open to archaeologists, heritage managers, students and members of the public.

WAC seeks to promote interest in the past in all countries, to encourage the development of regionally-based histories and to foster international academic interaction. It is committed to the scientific investigation of the past, ethical archaeological practice and the protection of cultural heritage worldwide. It supports the empirical investigation and appreciation of the political contexts within which research is conducted and interpreted, and promotes dialogue and debate among advocates of different views of the past. WAC is committed to diversity and to redressing global inequities in archaeology through conferences, publications and scholarly programs. It has a special interest in protecting the cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples, minorities and economically disadvantaged countries, and encourages the participation of Indigenous peoples, researchers from economically disadvantaged countries and members of the public.

WAC holds an international Congress every four years to promote the exchange of results from archaeological research; professional training and public education for disadvantaged nations, groups and communities; the empowerment and betterment of Indigenous groups and First Nations peoples; and the conservation of archaeological sites. Past Congresses have been held in England, Venezuela, India, South Africa and the USA. Patrons for past Congresses include Prince Charles (WAC-1), Nelson Mandela (WAC-4) and Harriet Fulbright (WAC-5). Selected papers from these conferences are published in the One World Archaeology Series.

The Sixth WAC Congress, WAC-6, was held in Ireland at the University College Dublin from 29th June-4 July 2008.

WAC-6 Media Releases

WAC-6 Closing Ceremony Speech

German WAC-6 Media Releases

Spanish WAC-6 Media Releases

Turkish WAC-6 Media Releases

Czech. WAC-6 Media Release on Iran

WAC-6 Photos: Gallery 1 | Gallery 2 | Gallery 3

Mary McAleese, President of Ireland, meeting with WAC-6 organisers

JOIN WAC ONLINE

OR PRINT MEMBERSHIP FORMS:
English | Spanish | Portuguese | German

WAC Members: Call for nomination to the Council of the World Archaeological Congress

Remembering Peter Ucko

Peter at his desk at the Institute, during his time as Director,
for an exhibition by Museum Studies students.
Copyright: Stuart Laidlaw (Institute Photographer)

Vale Peter Ucko | Remembering Peter Ucko
Condolence Book | Obituaries

Peter Ucko's family have asked that anyone who wishes to remember Peter in a practical way should make a donation to a special fund for indigenous participation at WAC meetings.

We also invite individuals and organisations to sponsor the membership of people from economically disadvantaged countries.

Donations can be made below: