The Colorado Archaeological Society (CAS) began life as the Southwestern Colorado Archaeological Society in 1935 and was chartered as The Colorado Archaeological Society, Inc., a statewide nonprofit organization in 1936.

The first members were all from the Gunnison area, including the first officers, H. W. Endner, President; R. G. Montgomery, Vice President; M. K. Lucy, Secretary- Treasurer; C. T. Hurst, of Western State University, Executive Secretary and Editor of Southwestern Lore; Carolyn Bruce, Associate Editor.

Also in 1935 the Chipeta (Montrose) Chapter was formed and is the oldest active chapter.

The first edition of Southwestern Lore, the CAS quarterly journal, was published in June 1935 and has been published continually since.

CAS is an all-volunteer organization, with now over 1100 avocational, professional, and institutional members. CAS is governed by the Board of Directors, which includes the State Officers (elected at the annual meeting), Past State Presidents, Chapter Presidents, and an elected representative from each Chapter.

There are currently 12 local chapters across the state and membership in one of them provides great opportunities for member involvement in learning about archaeology through attending monthly meetings, educational workshops, symposia, laboratory work, field work and trips, State meetings, and social activities (including the annual encampment).

Chapters also host the archaeology classes for the Program for Avocational Archaeological Certification (PAAC).  An agreement between CAS the State Archaeologist's Office provides that the State Archaeologist make available an instructor for the PAAC classes. PAAC provides an inexpensive concentrated educational experience at $12 per 10-20 hour class to learn about Colorado Archaeology (currently 13 such classes). All Avocational members are urged to participate in PAAC to get insights in how archaeology really works! In return for the service, CAS records the volunteer time of membership participation in statewide archaeology projects and educational efforts. This volunteer time gives a basis for matching Federal funds to support the PAAC instructor and other State Archaeologist office personnel.

 CAS has an internal Advisory Committee to the State Archaeologist which provides information to that office about regional archaeological activities, as well as two members on the Board of Directors of the State Historical Society.

Objectives of CAS include:

1) supporting policies designed to educate the public in the appreciation for and protection of all cultural (archaeological) resources within the state and nation,

2) encouraging scholarship through the Alice Hamilton Scholarship fund, and

3) supporting publication and research in Archaeology and related fields. Six books in the CAS Memoir series have been published; and the professional community has come to depend upon the Southwestern Lore and the Memoirs for research purposes and for publishing their work,

Like most volunteer organizations, members derive benefits from it in direct relation to what they bring to it. Some people join only to receive the Southwestern Lore as they live outside chapter areas. These and all other members are eligible and encouraged to attend the quarterly Board and the Annual Meetings, and be otherwise involved. Time and place of the next meeting are available on request.

CAS tax-exempt status has been approved under IRS Section 501 (c)(3), and contributions are deductible as provided for in Section 170 (c)(2).

The membership dues are kept as low as possible and cover only the cost of publishing the Southwestern Lore, newsletters, and general business expenses. CAS must depend upon contributions from members or grant monies to support our scholarship program, to publish other important archaeological work, obtain equipment, sponsor educational conferences and workshops. Members can help by making a tax-deductible contribution donation to these funds.

Chapter members enjoy bringing to the public the excitement of discovery while learning about and helping to protect our heritage.