The roots of the Ontario Archaeological Society (OAS) lie in the long-term contributions and commitment shown to the organization by avocational or amateur archaeologists. These individuals built the organization in the early days and they made and continue to make important contributions to our understanding of Ontario’s past.

The Charlie Garrad Avocational Archaeological Collections Fund has been established to support the transition of archaeological collections, including artifacts and documentation, from avocational archaeologists to long-term permanent curation facilities. This can be a costly endeavor that can involve purchase of curation materials and/or the need for personnel to catalogue or rehouse materials. The fund is named in honour of our long-term former president and executive director, who was himself an avocational archaeologist, and who, through decades of study, contributed enormously to the archaeology of the Petun.