WELCOME FROM THE 17ԹPRESIDENT
I’m glad that you clicked on the welcome page for ASOR. I’d like to take a minute to let you know briefly what we are about and why I am committed to ASOR’s mission. Our mission is to “initiate, encourage, and support research into, and public understanding of, the cultures and history” of the Mediterranean Basin from its prehistory to the impact of its history on contemporary people. Among ASOR’s members are archaeologists, people interested in cultural heritage, art historians, linguists, conservators, curators, and, just as importantly, people who are interested in these kinds of research.
Here’s a quick run-down of how our 17Թmembers fulfill our mission:
• Support research: 17Թis a leader in print and online publications that bring to scholars and the wider public news of discoveries about, and cutting-edge analyses of the cultures and history of the Mediterranean Basin, through journals, monographs, e-newsletters, and open context resources. We sponsor an Annual Meeting, where the new discoveries and cutting-edge analyses are presented. Researchers receive financial support, including support for archaeologists engaged in field research and research in collections, and support for students who want to travel to participate in an archaeological dig affiliated with ASOR.
• Support public understanding: 17Թworks with in-country partners, supported by the US Department of State and other philanthropic organizations, to preserve cultural heritage sites in North Africa and the Levant. And we’re on social media: follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, as well as on the ASORtv channel on YouTube. You can access sessions from the Annual Meeting or FOA seminars by signing up for the 17ԹOnline Library.
We are dedicated to fostering the community that values this kind of research and dissemination of analyses. Join us through our Friends of 17Թprogram, by working as a volunteer at an ASOR-affiliated dig or survey, or by offering us the financial support on which we depend to make all of our programs possible.
In short, we at 17Թare dedicated to finding a means for anyone interested in the cultures and history of the wider Mediterranean to discover and do more. If you are already an 17Թmember, we hope this website helps you expand your engagement with 17Թby leading you to organizational resources of which you may not have previously taken advantage. If you’re not a member, we hope this website helps you find ways to join in our efforts.
I look forward to meeting you, hearing your ideas, and hearing about your contributions to 17Թas we move into our 126th year and the future.
Jane DeRose Evans
President
WELCOME FROM THE 17ԹEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Just as it has done for the past 125 years, 17Թwelcomes you and seeks to facilitate your study of and interest in the Near East and Mediterranean regions. Our charter states that we strive to enable persons to pursue “biblical, linguistic, archaeological, historical, and other kindred studies and researches.” The same is true today, and I invite you to not only explore the 17Թwebsite, but to see how you can be a part of our mission and interdisciplinary work.
For new members, I encourage 
you to consider a membership and reap benefits that include our four journals (BASOR, NEA, JCS, and Maarav). If you are a scholar, a Regular Membership will give you print delivery of two of our three journals or online access to all three. If you are a student or Early Career Scholar, our discounted memberships will give you online access to all of our journals. If you are a non-specialist or professional in another field who is interested in the history and archaeology of the Middle East, North Africa, and Mediterranean regions, our Public Memberships are designed for you.
No matter which membership category you choose, all members qualify for a special, discounted rate at ASOR’s Annual Meeting. Approximately 1,100 scholars, students, and archaeology and history enthusiasts will come together for the intensive days of academic lectures, poster presentations, business meetings, evening receptions, and general conversation. This is a central event for our members as often as they are able to attend.
Finally, let me invite you to participate in our fellowship programs. If you are a student or early career scholar, 17Թwants to facilitate your study of the eastern Mediterranean regions through our Dana, Dever, MacAllister, Meyers, Meyers/Wright, Platt, Sheeler, Steinmetz, Strange/Midkiff, and Member-Supported Fellowships for summer field work. If you are a dig director, please consider our Gold, Harris, or Seger Excavation Grants. We also offer travel support to the Annual Meeting. I invite everyone to consider providing important financial support for these important fellowships (). Please contact me directly for more information.
Again, welcome, and I look forward to working with you.
Andrew G. Vaughn, Ph.D., has been ASOR’s Executive Director since January, 2007.