About the SAA Awards
The Society for American Archaeology Awards recognize and honor knowledge and professional achievements at all career levels--from student and early career archaeologists to those who have made lasting contributions to the Society and the profession. The Call for Nominations opens in the fall of each year.
The 2026 Call for Award Nominations will open in the fall of 2025.
Deadlines and nomination information vary by award.
The Charles Stanish Award is accepting applications for 2026 until August 1, 2025. Full details are below.
Prior to any award recommendation being finalized and publicly announced, anyone recommended for an award, scholarship, or grant will be required to certify the following:
(a) I am not and have not ever been the subject of a discrimination or harassment lawsuit or related administrative complaint that resulted in an adverse finding; and(b) I do not have and have not had a current or pending disciplinary action such as suspension or termination of registration, resulting from a Register of Professional Archaeologists’ grievance investigation.
Professional Awards
State Archaeology Celebration Poster Award
Nomination/Submission Deadline: 21 Mar 2025
Award Guidelines
Award Description
This award is presented to the state or community whose poster in honor of Archaeology Week or Month best exemplifies the vibrant role played by archaeology, heritage, and preservation within the community. The contest was traditionally held at the SAA Annual Meeting, where attendees voted for first, second, and third-place winners. Voting is now conducted online during the time around the Annual Meeting and open to the public.
The State Archaeology Celebration Poster Award is sponsored by the Public Education Committee and the Council of Allied Societies. The contest is possible through the support of members and the Public Education Endowment Fund.
Who Is Eligible to Submit Nominations or Apply for the Award
Any State Archaeology Celebration poster between March 2024 and March 2025 will be considered.
Nomination/Submission Materials Required
- Fill out the submission form on the Poster Contest page. To submit your poster, you must submit digitally. Physical posters will be displayed at this year's meeting, but we will not be accepting posters by mail. You must bring your poster with you to the meeting or designate someone attending to bring your poster. You will be notified by email when and where to hang your poster at the meeting. You can only display a physical poster if you have also submitted a digital version.
Please contact public_edu@saa.org for any questions.
Past Awardees
View the archive of past Archaeology Celebration Award winning posters, going back to the first contest in 1996.
Travel Awards
State Archaeology Celebration Poster Award
Nomination/Submission Deadline: 21 Mar 2025
Award Guidelines
Award Description
This award is presented to the state or community whose poster in honor of Archaeology Week or Month best exemplifies the vibrant role played by archaeology, heritage, and preservation within the community. The contest was traditionally held at the SAA Annual Meeting, where attendees voted for first, second, and third-place winners. Voting is now conducted online during the time around the Annual Meeting and open to the public.
The State Archaeology Celebration Poster Award is sponsored by the Public Education Committee and the Council of Allied Societies. The contest is possible through the support of members and the Public Education Endowment Fund.
Who Is Eligible to Submit Nominations or Apply for the Award
Any State Archaeology Celebration poster between March 2024 and March 2025 will be considered.
Nomination/Submission Materials Required
- Fill out the submission form on the Poster Contest page. To submit your poster, you must submit digitally. Physical posters will be displayed at this year's meeting, but we will not be accepting posters by mail. You must bring your poster with you to the meeting or designate someone attending to bring your poster. You will be notified by email when and where to hang your poster at the meeting. You can only display a physical poster if you have also submitted a digital version.
Please contact public_edu@saa.org for any questions.
Past Awardees
View the archive of past Archaeology Celebration Award winning posters, going back to the first contest in 1996.
Student Awards
State Archaeology Celebration Poster Award
Nomination/Submission Deadline: 21 Mar 2025
Award Guidelines
Award Description
This award is presented to the state or community whose poster in honor of Archaeology Week or Month best exemplifies the vibrant role played by archaeology, heritage, and preservation within the community. The contest was traditionally held at the SAA Annual Meeting, where attendees voted for first, second, and third-place winners. Voting is now conducted online during the time around the Annual Meeting and open to the public.
The State Archaeology Celebration Poster Award is sponsored by the Public Education Committee and the Council of Allied Societies. The contest is possible through the support of members and the Public Education Endowment Fund.
Who Is Eligible to Submit Nominations or Apply for the Award
Any State Archaeology Celebration poster between March 2024 and March 2025 will be considered.
Nomination/Submission Materials Required
- Fill out the submission form on the Poster Contest page. To submit your poster, you must submit digitally. Physical posters will be displayed at this year's meeting, but we will not be accepting posters by mail. You must bring your poster with you to the meeting or designate someone attending to bring your poster. You will be notified by email when and where to hang your poster at the meeting. You can only display a physical poster if you have also submitted a digital version.
Please contact public_edu@saa.org for any questions.
Past Awardees
View the archive of past Archaeology Celebration Award winning posters, going back to the first contest in 1996.
Student Fellowship Awards
State Archaeology Celebration Poster Award
Nomination/Submission Deadline: 21 Mar 2025
Award Guidelines
Award Description
This award is presented to the state or community whose poster in honor of Archaeology Week or Month best exemplifies the vibrant role played by archaeology, heritage, and preservation within the community. The contest was traditionally held at the SAA Annual Meeting, where attendees voted for first, second, and third-place winners. Voting is now conducted online during the time around the Annual Meeting and open to the public.
The State Archaeology Celebration Poster Award is sponsored by the Public Education Committee and the Council of Allied Societies. The contest is possible through the support of members and the Public Education Endowment Fund.
Who Is Eligible to Submit Nominations or Apply for the Award
Any State Archaeology Celebration poster between March 2024 and March 2025 will be considered.
Nomination/Submission Materials Required
- Fill out the submission form on the Poster Contest page. To submit your poster, you must submit digitally. Physical posters will be displayed at this year's meeting, but we will not be accepting posters by mail. You must bring your poster with you to the meeting or designate someone attending to bring your poster. You will be notified by email when and where to hang your poster at the meeting. You can only display a physical poster if you have also submitted a digital version.
Please contact public_edu@saa.org for any questions.
Past Awardees
View the archive of past Archaeology Celebration Award winning posters, going back to the first contest in 1996.
Scholarships: for undergraduate and graduate student scholarships, see the Cheryl L. Wase Memorial Scholarship, Matthew Tobin Cappetta Archaeological Scholarship, Student Excellence in Archaeology Scholarships, and Native American Scholarships.