One of Israel’s few resources is its archaeology, with the most dense concentration of archeological sites in the world. The IAA Centers for Archaeology aim to increase awareness in Israeli youth of archaeology – knowledge of the ancient sites and cultures, and the importance of safeguarding and preserving these national resources.

The Centers’ instructional teams consist of experienced educators who specialize in archaeology, some combining both archaeological field work and instruction. Each of the four centers is located in a different area of the country and conducts specific educational programs for each target audience, using the area’s archaeological resources.

We open to pupils a window to Israel’s past, of which we are its successors.

As Abba Kovner wrote, in a most concise and excellent manner:

Remember the past

Live the present

Insure the future

This is how we do it:

- We teach classes from kindergarten to high school, at both Jewish and Arab schools, in kibbutzim, towns and major cities.

- There are schools, the Beth She’an School for Archaeology, for example, whose character is marked by archaeology, and others that include the subject as an integral part of the curriculum.

- Teachers and instructors take courses in a variety of archaeological subjects and integrate what they have learned into their classroom teaching.

- Each year, the Centers for Archaeology are transformed into centers for agricultural industries of the past – oil presses, wine presses, and more. We produce, together with our pupils and their parents, olive oil, wine, perfumes, coins, pottery, and more, according to the season of the year and special requests.

- We work together with other organizations that offer educational programs throughout the country and the world – UNESCO, Jewish National Fund, the Nature and National Parks Authority, the Society for the Protection of Nature, the Community Centers Corp., Karev Foundation, Israel Defence Forces, and others.

- An excavation at Ramle saw participation by 47 different groups of pupils through the course of a year. In light of the program’s success, more sites were added – in Nes Ziona, Natanya, and Tel Aviv. More schools were added to the list of participants. Preparation toward dig participation begins in the classroom where pupils are introduced to the Antiquities Authority and its work, and to the Law of Antiquities.

- In the north, pupils joined conservation workers at Caesarea and Beth She’an, and experienced at first hand advanced conservation and restoration methods. They also had a chance to ponder the true dilemma between preserving the past and the ongoing present-day development of the country.

- Teachers participated in courses that added to their knowledge and instructional capabilities in the subject.

Another new project just beginning, is the establishment of a training center in the Adullam region, an area rich in antiquity sites. The Center for Archaeology in Jerusalem will concentrate on excavations, surveys and workshops in the area, all open to school participation. We hope that the new project will evolve into a center for all youth and adults who enjoy archaeology.

In our  years of activity, we have touched varied audiences on all levels of Israeli society, working mainly in Israel (and abroad on a limited basis). We have advanced in many archaeological directions and received warm acclaim, encouragement and support.

We look forward to continued investment in education, and to enjoying the fruits of our labors.