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The Society was founded in 1967, after nearly 50 years of archaeological work in Hong Kong by interested individuals and groups. The objects of the Society are : to bring together all those Interested in archaeology in Hong Kong, to carry out excavations, to co-operate with SAR Government and other bodies in preserving Hong Kong's archaeological heritage, to co-operate with the Museum of History in building up a collection, and to publish a journal. Archaeology in Hong Kong began in the 1920's with the discovery of prehistoric sites in the area. Several individuals were active in the 1930's in surveying and excavating sites, studying the artifacts recovered, and publishing their research. The writings of two of these early archaeologists (Schofield and Maglioni) were re-evaluated and re-published by the Society in the 1970's. Two cultural phases were identified by the pre-war archaeologists: a Late Neolithic phase with polished stone tools and chalky ware and fine earthenware pottery, and a Bronze Age with stoneware ceramics and bronze artifacts. These phases are now dated to approximately 3000BC-1200BC and 1200BC-400 BC. The early post-war II years were marked by the discovery of the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 26 BC - AD220) brick chamber tomb at Lei Cheng Uk in 1955. The next year, a University Archaeological Team was formed, with a limited membership including some members of the public. The Team carried out extensive surveys, and excavated an important Bronze Age site at Man Kok Tsui, Lantau, in 1960-61. Finally, in 1967, the Team was dissolved to form the Hong Kong Archaeological Society, in order to encourage a wider public participation in local archaeology. The Society's membership stands at about 200, including ordinary, Student, life members and honorary advisers. The Society has carried out a number of major excavations, the most important of which was at Sham Wan, Lamma Island. Five seasons of excavation at this site in the 1970s, it yielded evidence of occupation during historical, Bronze and Neolithic Ages, including a new "Middle Neolithic" phase dating to approximately 3800BC-3000 BC. A 300 pages monograph on this site was published by the Society in 1978. In the 1990s the Society has included major salvage projects employing full-time staff. A 16-months study of Chek Lap Kok, site of the Hong Kong international new airport, was conducted in 1990-91. Another salvage project at Yung Long, west to Tuen Mun revealed a cultural phase with painted pottery, dated to 4400-3800 BC. Excavations on Kau Sai Chau in 1994 revealed a site without pottery dating to ca. 5000 B.C. In 1999, a substantial number of archaeological features were discovered in Chan Ka Yuen Site in Ha Pak Nai, west to Tuen Mun. In the 21st century, the Society following the tradition, still carry out field archaeology in Hong Kong. In 2000, the Society had been investigated Lam Tsuen Valley in Taipo, in 2001, a house foundation with very good condition tiles and a underground water pipe system dated to Song dynasty (AD 960-1279) were discovered in Mong Tseng Wai site of Yuen Long, this is only one Song Dynasty village house site in Hong Kong. In 2004 and 2005, Hong Kong SAR Government funded the Society, invited Centre for Lingnan Archaeology of Zhongshan University to carried out two phases of excavation in Wong Tei Tung Site near Sai Kung, a quarry site and over 6,000 d stone artifacts were discovered, some of them are adopted the techniques of Late Paleolithic Age. The results of the Society's work are published at regular intervals in its Journal (Journal of Hong Kong Archaeological Society, currently at volume 15) which includes site reports, research articles, contributions from overseas and Mainland China. The Journal is distributed without charge to all current members when published; most back issues are available for purchase. A series of monograph is devoted to detailed excavation reports; the latest, volume IV, covers the work at Chek Lap Kok. University of Hong Kong had digitized all Society journals for their library. In addition to its excavation and publication programme, the Society organizes lectures on archaeological subjects, and field trips by boat or coach to sites of interest. Unscheduled workshop sessions are also held to analyze the excavated materials. A small library is available for member's use. The Society is supported by membership dues currently ($180 per year), by subventions from the Antiquities and Monuments Office of Hong Kong SAR Government. A workshop / office is provided by the HK Museum of History. The journals are funded by Hong Kong Museum of History.
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