The IAAA was founded in 1969 to unite all persons interested in the archaeology of Illinois - amateurs, professionals, students, and educators. The purposes of the association are preserving prehistoric and historic archaeological sites, information, and artifacts; encouraging and participating in scientific investigations and research; and fostering constructive public and governmental attitudes toward the archaeology of the State of Illinois and contiguous regions. The association and its members are opposed to the destruction, unauthorized excavation, or looting of archaeological sites and actively discourage commercialism in archaeological artifacts.