The Arch & Arch
The Architectural and Archaeological Society of Durham and Northumberland was founded in 1861 and has, since that time, pursued an active programme of lectures, field trips and publication. Based in Durham, but with interests throughout the region, it aims to provide an opportunity for all those interested in archaeology and architectural history to find out more, visit places of interest and experience hands on activities.
Find out more... 
Museum of Archaeology, Durham University
The Museum of Archaeology's collections range from the prehistory to modern times. Their gallery charting the story of Durham is housed within Palace
Green Library. The main focus of the collections is the archaeology of North East England but the collection also includes national and international material, much of it excavated
by members of Durham University’s Department of Archaeology.
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Archaeological Research
Durham University's Department of Archaeology is a leading centre for the study of archaeology and one of the top departments in the world. They are an inclusive, vibrant and international community, with expertise in a wide range of areas and important strengths in field and landscape archaeology, archaeological science, and museums and heritage studies.
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Fieldwork
Following on from the Time Team investigation at Binchester Roman Fort in 2007, a major research project was initiated, concentrating initially on an area in the interior of the fort, the south east gateway and an area in the civil settlement. The Society was involved from the outset, and members have taken part in the community excavation every summer from 2009 and have also participated in post excavation finds processing.
Get involved... 
Annual Research Grant
The application process is now open for our annual research grant. If you are fully paid-up member of our society then you can apply for an award of £500 conditional upon receiving qualifying applications (31st December deadline following invitation to apply).
Apply...
Publications
Since its foundation, the society has produced a regular publication, reporting on research in the area, and covering a wide and varied range of topics, firstly in the Transactions of
the Architectural and Archaeological Society of Durham and Northumberland (1863–1982) which in 1984, under the editorship of Professor Anthony Harding, was renamed Durham
Archaeological Journal. Dr David Mason has recently taken over from Dr David Petts as lead editor on a team which also includes Dr Sarah Semple.
Lectures
Discover the regions rich archaeological and architectural heritage at our captivating series of informative lectures! Join us at 2:30pm at Elvet Riverside, Durham
(Room ER140), as leading local and regional experts delve into their fascinating new research. Enhance your understanding and appreciation of the north-east
region's rich history in a friendly and engaging atmosphere. After each lecture, chat with fellow members over drinks at The Royal County Hotel to discuss
the day’s insights and forge lasting connections. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your horizons and be part of a vibrant local community!
The Architectural and Archaeological Society of Durham and Northumberland
Welcome to the Architectural and Archaeological Society of Durham and Northumberland. Founded in 1861, ‘the Arch & Arch’ has been involved in lectures, visits and publications on the past of north-eastern England and elsewhere for 160 years.
We are based in Durham but our members live throughout the region and abroad. We organise day visits to local places of interest and longer summer excursion visiting places of interest elsewhere in Britain. Our lectures cover archaeology and architecture from prehistory to the present day in north-east England and across the world. We also organise a range of hands-on activities, including, from time to time, excavations and standing building recording.
Lectures are held monthly from September to June. At present we use Zoom but normally our meetings are in Durham. Every May, we hold our Annual General Meeting elsewhere in the region, combining business with a visit to a heritage site or museum. In December we hold a Members’ Meeting, where individuals can talk about their own interests and bring artefacts for identification and discussion.
We welcome members from across the north-east of England. Those based elsewhere in the UK or internationally are welcome via Zoom, at present, and may be interested in joining to subscribe to the Durham Archaeological Journal.
