Archaeological Institute of America

The real archaeological society that elected Harrison Ford to its board.

The Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) is North America's oldest and largest organization devoted to archaeology. Its link to Indiana Jones is real-world: in 2008 Harrison Ford was elected to its board of directors, and the association's president praised his character's "significant role in stimulating the public's interest in archaeological exploration."

Quick Facts

Primary role: Professional association and academic governing body

Lore & Background

Ford serves as a General Trustee on the Governing Board of the AIA and assists it in its mission of increasing public awareness of archaeology and preventing looting and the illegal antiquities trade. On joining he said that "understanding the past can only help us in dealing with the present and the future."