JOIN WMSLSSAS
- Show your support for Florida's unique archaeological treasures and continue research and preservation of sites and artifacts
- Enjoy scholarly lectures and workshops by professionals and enthusiasts
- Volunteer with Sarasota County's Archaeologist on archaeological collections management
- Take exciting field trips to amazing sites and museums
- Receive informational newsletters and program announcements
- Membership in our 501c3 is tax-deductible
CATEGORIES
Student $5
Individual $25
Family $35
Patron $50
Non-Profit $35
Business $100
Life $250
Benefactor $1,000
OUR CODE OF ETHICS
Section 1: The preservation of archaeological and historical sites with the state of Florida is an objective of the Society.
All members should:
(a) abide by all federal, state, local or tribal laws and regulations that affect the archaeological record.
(b) report archaeological discoveries to the Florida Division of Historical Resources, Bureau of Archaeological Research, the relevant regional or local authorities and any involved property owners.
(c) report illicit or illegal activity concerning archaeological sites and sites threatened with destruction to the property owners or law enforcement authorities.
(d) protect sites from unwanted intrusion by using care in the distribution of site location data.
Section 2: Since archaeological and historical sites are finite and unique sources of information about past human behavior, every site (which cannot be preserved) deserves the best possible quality of excavation, analysis, and documentation/publication. To conserve archaeological resources, excavation shall be carried out only under the direct control and supervision of a professional archaeologist recognized by the Florida Division of Historical Resources and only on sites that:
(a) are in imminent danger of destruction;
(b) have been extensively altered, or;
(c) contain important data that will help answer questions of a problem oriented research design.
Members shall give every consideration to requests of the affected ethnic or Native American community concerning the research. In particular, all human skeletal remains shall be dealt with in strict
accordance with Florida law. In carrying out anthropological research, particularly archaeological survey or excavation, participating members must obtain appropriate authorization and/or permits from the involved private landowners, or public land management agencies.
Section 3: Commercial dealings in archaeological materials often lead to site destruction and loss of contextual relationships and other important scientific date. The value the Society places on archaeological materials is scientific not commercial.
The Society supports and complies with the terms of the UNESCO Convention of the means of prohibiting and preventing the illicit import, export, and transfer of ownership of cultural properties as adopted by the General Conference, November 14, 1970.
Members shall refrain from the collecting, hoarding, exchanging, buying, or selling of any illegally or illicitly obtained archaeological materials.