Welcome from the President
I am pleased to welcome you to the American Schools of Oriental Research (ASOR) website. ASOR has a long and proud history as the leading society in North America dedicated to the study and public understanding of the cultures and history of the Near and Middle East. ASOR was established in 1900 with the specific aim to “to initiate, encourage and support research into, and public understanding of, the cultures and history of the Near East from the earliest times.”
While the ways in which ASOR has achieved this mission have changed over the years, consistent throughout has been an unwavering dedication to (1) fostering original research through archaeological excavation, exploration and the study of the languages and cultures of the Near East, (2) the advancement of Near Eastern studies as an academic discipline and an educational enterprise, (3) maintaining high academic standards in interdisciplinary research and training, (4) supporting the dissemination of research and knowledge, and (5) professional representation and outreach to the general public.
Central to these priorities has been ASOR’s commitment to serve as a knowledge-based organization, or learned society, with a constituency that has a shared interest and deep commitment to the study and public understanding of the cultures and history of the Near and Middle East. In this era of digital communication, the internet has become a fundamental resource for both scholar and public alike. We hope, therefore, that you will find our website to be a useful source of information about our organization and its many programs, but also a reliable and trusted reference tool to help you navigate the proliferating flow of digital information about this ancient, yet timeless, and vitally important part of our world.
Timothy P. Harrison
President
Welcome from the Executive Director
Just as it has done for the past 113 years, ASOR welcomes you and seeks to facilitate and foster your study of and interest in the eastern Mediterranean regions. From the beginning, ASOR has been apolitical and interdisciplinary. The charter document states that ASOR enables 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 ASOR website but to see how you can be a part of our mission.
For new members, 
I encourage you to consider a membership and reap benefits that include our three journals (BASOR, NEA, and JCS). If you are a scholar or graduate student, a Professional Membership will give you a subscription to two of our three journals. If you are a non-specialist who is interested in the history and archaeology of the Near East and related studies, our Contributing Membership is designed for you. This membership category includes a $100 tax-deductible gift and a $25 special subscription rate for NEA.
No matter which membership category you choose, all members qualify for a special, discounted rate at ASOR's Annual Meeting. Approximately 900 scholars, students, and archaeology 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 junior scholar, ASOR wants to facilitate your study of the eastern Mediterranean regions through our Harris, Platt, and Heritage Fellowships for summer field work, research scholarships, or travel support to the Annual Meeting. I invite all others to consider providing important financial support for these important fellowships (donate online). In particular, please consider a Heritage Membership - a contribution of $2,500 that provides up to two excavation scholarships for qualified students of archaeology. 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.