Society for Commercial Archeology

Location: Nationwide

Website: www.sca-roadside.org

Drew University defines Commercial Archeology as: "The study of structures and artifacts created in connection with popular commercial activity, such as diners, motels, gasoline stations, and signs." Kris Hirst at About.com offers this definition: "Commercial archaeology focuses on the material culture aspects of commerce and transportation; studies the affects of market economy and the use of space, and the development of roadside businesses."

The term roadside architecture applies to buildings and other structures directly and indirectly associated with roads. Obvious examples include restaurants, motels and gas stations. Other examples include signs, vernacular buildings, shopping and retail centers, programmatic (or mimetic) structures as well as theme and amusement parks.

The SCA was organized by a group of scholars and experts who had an interest in commercial archeology. The group met in Vermont and in 1979, they formally organized.

At present, the operations of the SCA are managed throughout the country by the members of the board of directors.

The SCA maintains an archive of its own materials in Austin, Texas.

Any person or organization with an interest in commercial archeology is eligible for membership in the SCA. Each member in good standing shall be entitled to one vote on matter submitted to to the general membership. Joining the SCA is very easy.

Perhaps the most important first step is to contact your state preservation office. Tell them about the resource(s) and work with them to develop a plan for saving or protecting it. In addition to working with state preservation offices, contact organizations that are directly interested in the type of resource about which you are concerned. For example, if you are interested in protecting a drive-in movie theatre, track down organizations that work to protect drive-ins - such as the United Drive-In Theatre Owner's Association or DriveInMovie.com. Lastly, don't give up. Preservation efforts often take years. Persistence often pays off.

The SCA's interests are as varied as its members. The diverse interests of the groups range from the commonplace to the eclectic. Below is a listing of some of the more common interests:

Historic preservation
Architecture of all types including Art Deco, Modern, Googie, Programmatic/Mimetic, Vernacular

Highways of all types

Restaurants including diners, drive-ins and coffee houses

Gas stations and petroliana

Motels, hotels, tourist cabins, motor courts, etc.

Retail centers such a Main Streets, strip malls, indoor malls

Theatres - both enclosed and drive-in

To get a better sense of the variety of interests, check out the SCA's online membership form.

The mission of the Society is to recognize the unique historical significance of the 20th-century commercial built environment and cultural landscapes of North America, emphasizing the impact of the automobile and the commercial process. To this end, the Society will carry out projects of documentation, education, advocacy and conservation to encourage public awareness and understanding of these significant elements of our heritage.