The history of archaeology is a growing area of research; not least because of the increased importance of digitising collections and making them publicly accessible. There are a series of current developments in this field, but the IoA is particularly well placed to develop research because of the depth and breadth of its archival holdings and collections. The IoA is one of the earliest archaeology training institutions in Britain, and a key player in the development of archaeology as a profession. Its past has fixed its current position as the largest and one of most well-known archaeology departments in the world. The IoA’s focus on archaeology, museum studies and cultural heritage will add multiple perspectives to research in the history of archaeology, and facilitate contacts with many different cultural institutions, including museums, university archives and learned societies. There has been a considerable amount of work done on the history of archaeology, but it frequently lacks a clear focus, aims and methodologies. The history of archaeology brings together examination and presentation of archival material and object collections, and comprises a strong inter-disciplinary element; including strong links to the history of science, art and museum collections, social and cultural history, architecture and tourism. It also provides a valuable route for public access to archaeology, enhancing the quality of archaeology’s impact on the public. The IoA’s unique combination of diverse strands of archaeological fieldwork and research, museum and cultural heritage studies makes it the perfect institution to house a world-class, groundbreaking network dedicated to research in the history of archaeology.