[Archaeological Institute of America](https://www.archaeological.org)

March 2026 (Nomination deadline, projected)

Recognition award; no monetary prize specified.

Annual award recognizing an outstanding scholarly book or monograph that advances archaeological research through rigorous analysis and innovative interpretation.

--- ## Description The annual award recognizes an exceptional academic book or monograph on an archaeological topic, published within four years prior to the award year. The honor is intended to highlight works that demonstrate rigorous research, innovative synthesis, and clear presentation of archaeological evidence and interpretation. The award celebrates scholarship that advances archaeological understanding, integrates material and textual sources, and offers new perspectives on ancient societies, material culture, and historical processes. Works that blend archaeological, historical, and scientific methods and are models for both specialists and a broader academic audience are especially valued. --- ## Due Dates - March 2026 (Nomination deadline, anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - This is a recognition award; no monetary prize is specified. - The award consists of formal recognition at the Archaeological Institute of America’s Annual Meeting. --- ## Eligibility - Eligible works are academic books or monographs on an archaeological topic, published within the four calendar years prior to (not including) the award year. - Textbooks are not eligible. Handbooks or edited volumes must be exceptionally strong contributions to qualify. - Authors/editors must have been AIA members in good standing for at least one year immediately preceding nomination. For multi-authored/edited volumes, this requirement applies only to the primary author/editor/principal investigator. - Publishers may nominate no more than two books per year and must ensure they meet the award criteria. - Books may be submitted only once unless the committee specifically requests re-nomination. - Books intended for a general audience should be nominated for the [Felicia A. Holton Book Award](https://www.archaeological.org/grant/holton-book-award/). --- ## Application Process - Nominations can be submitted by AIA members, authors, or publishers via the [online nomination form](https://www.archaeological.org/programs/professionals/grants-awards/applications/wiseman-book-award/). - The committee reviews nominations and makes a decision by October, with notifications sent to nominators in November. - The winner is celebrated at the AIA Awards Ceremony in January. --- ## Additional Information - The award is highly competitive and recognizes works that set a standard for archaeological scholarship. - Past recipients represent a wide range of topics and approaches in archaeology. --- ## External Links - [Program Page and Criteria](https://www.archaeological.org/grant/wiseman-book-award/) - [Nomination Form](https://www.archaeological.org/programs/professionals/grants-awards/applications/wiseman-book-award/) - [AIA Grants & Awards Overview](https://www.archaeological.org/programs/professionals/grants-awards/) - [AIA Membership Information](https://www.archaeological.org/join/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | Email | [awards@archaeological.org](mailto:awards@archaeological.org) | | Alternate Email | [ebailey@archaeological.org](mailto:ebailey@archaeological.org) | | Phone | 857-305-9350 | | Contact Page | [AIA Contact Page](https://www.archaeological.org/contact/) | ---

James R. Wiseman Book Award - Archaeological Institute of America

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