The SSAE came into being following a series of very successful Adult Education classes on Egyptology, held in various communities throughout Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Students attending these courses wanted to extend further their own knowledge and to meet other people with similar interests.

The course tutor Tony Harkus, brought together many of these like-minded souls and, in November 1992 (by a happy coincidence - the 70th Anniversary of the rediscovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun) the Society for the Study of Ancient Egypt was formally established, with Tony as its first Chairman.

Unfortunately, ill health forced Tony to stand aside as Chairman soon afterwards. The office of Society President was especially created for him so that he could continue to play a leading role in its development.

Sadly, Tony died in December 1997 and, as a token for the lasting debt which the Society owes to its "Founding Father"; the first lecture of each year is named the "Tony Harkus Memorial Lecture" in his honour.

The SSAE has continued to grow from strength to strength and now has around 160 members, not just here in the East Midlands, but throughout the United Kingdom.  

LECTURES BY EXPERT EGYPTOLOGISTS

The Society's events of course centre on the series of Illustrated Lectures, given by distinguished Egyptologists.

These have included Geoffrey Martin, Kenneth Kitchen, Harry James, Rosalie David, Aidan Dodson and David Rohl, Carol Andrews, Bill Manley, Alan Lloyd, Jaromir Malek, Joyce Tyldesley and Rosalind Janssen to name just a few.  

Please see our EVENTS pages for details of our exciting and varied Programme for this year.

Topics have been equally as diverse, with new and challenging theories being just as enthusiastically received as the perhaps more traditional interpretations.

There are normally 5 or 6 lectures each year, rotating between our main centres at Chesterfield, Derby and Nottingham.  

Also, from time to time, special Study Days are arranged, giving the opportunity to focus on a particular topic or theme, with distinguished Egyptologists giving their respective opinions. The last one was held in August 2008 at Chesterfield with the general title "Strange Tales from Ancient Egypt: The Mysterious World of the West ".

SATURDAY 2 OCTOBER 2010 - DAY SCHOOL AT CHESTERFIELD

Plans have now been finalised for the next Study Day on Egyptian Art "Quest for Eternity " which will take place on Saturday 2 October 2010 at the Chesterfield Central Library Lecture Theatre. Please see our EVENTS page for further information on the speakers and topics.

Tickets for the Day School are now available:

Prices for Current SSAE Members: £25.00
Prices for Non-SSAE Members: £30.00

A buffet lunch is available - price £6.60

SSAE Members should consult the latest edition of "The Scribe" ( January 2010) for further details on how to book for this very special event.

Non-Members can e-mail us at ssae@ssae.org.uk - please remember to mark your e-mail "Day School", say how many tickets you require and whether lunch is to be included. We will get back to you as soon as possible and advise if your booking can be accepted.

Please note: Current SSAE Members receive priority notice and booking facilities for all special events.

'THE SCRIBE' - THE SOCIETY'S NEWSLETTER

This is normally produced at least 4 times a year and keeps members in contact with each other and up to date on Society events.  

It is filled with the very latest news and comments from Egypt and about Egyptology in general. We try and provide advance information on forthcoming exhibitions (at home and abroad), so that members can arrange a visit in good time.

Of  particular interest are the articles written by our own members themselves. These demonstrate the broad range of members' interests and cover all aspects of the Ancient Egyptian civilization, as well as Egypt's many lasting legacies to the modern world.

THE SOCIETY'S COMMITTEE FOR 2010 - 2011

The New Committee was elected at the Society's Annual General Meeting held at the New Mechanics, Nottingham on in April 2012.

THE SOCIETY'S CONSTITUTION

Every organisation needs its rules and regulations, in order to make sure that its business is conducted within agreed boundaries. The SSAE is no exception. If you would like to view the updated Constitution, click HERE .