>>Most members of state and othe local groups are
not lawyers, doctors or business leaders (although some of all
these groups belong) but rather working people. It is unlikely they
can afford $75 for an SHA membership. Keep in mind that their local
membership is usually $20 to $40 for which they sometimes get a lot
- e.g. the Texas Archaeological Society (newsletter, journal [monograph]
and ability to work in the field). SHA needs to do
something to help our avocational colleagues join our society.<<

Point well taken.  The Archaeological Society of BC (ASBC) membership for
individuals is $19, while a family membership is $24, which includes a
lecture series and the quarterly publication _The Midden_.  The membership
amount is in "little" Canadian dollars (I noted on my credit card billing
that the $75 annual membership had grown to $119.47 in the exchange).  As I
am employed, this is a fact of maintaining my profession but you can imagine
the financial hardship for the many retired or working folk to join.  The
majority of ASBC, Nanaimo Branch, members are non-professionals, including
former anthropology students (some 40+ members).  Only two archaeologists
are on their paid list, with only one active with their executive. There is
an interest in historical archaeology as I am constantly made aware of
potential field school sites that are historic.

Imogene

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 Imogene L. Lim, Ph.D.
 Anthropology
 Malaspina University-College
 900 Fifth Street
 Nanaimo, BC             250.753.3245 x2840
 V9R 5S5                 250.741.2676 FAX
 CANADA                  [log in to unmask]
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