Industrial Archaeology Journal: A History of Publication
The study of industrial heritage requires a dedicated platform for scholarly exchange and documentation. Since its inception, the journal Industrial Archaeology (IA) has served as a critical record for the field, evolving its publication frequency and thematic focus to meet the needs of historians and archaeologists.
Publication Timeline and Evolution
The journal first entered the academic landscape in 1975. For its first decade, IA operated on an annual schedule, releasing one issue per year from its debut through Volume 11 in 1985.
Starting with Volume 12 in 1986, the journal transitioned to a biannual frequency, meaning it published two issues per year. This increased cadence continued through Volume 45 in 2019, with the editorial team occasionally releasing double issues to accommodate a higher volume of research.
Thematic Focus and Special Issues
Beyond general submissions, IA has frequently curated issues centered around specific common themes. These focused editions allow for a deep dive into particular sites or systemic records of industrialization.
Notable thematic issues have included detailed studies on the Springfield Armory (1988), the Lachine Canal in Montréal (2003), and the West Point Foundry (2009). Additionally, the journal has dedicated significant space to the Historic American Engineering Record (HAER)—a program that documents industrial sites in the United States—with three separate issues published in 1997, 1999, and 2018.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1975.
- Initial Frequency: Annual (1975–1985).
- Later Frequency: Biannual (1986–2019).
- Major Themes: Lachine Canal, Springfield Armory, West Point Foundry, and HAER.
- HAER Coverage: Three dedicated issues across three different years.
| Period | Volume Range | Publication Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 1975–1985 | Vol 1 – Vol 11 | Annual |
| 1986–2019 | Vol 12 – Vol 45 | Biannual (with occasional double issues) |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the first issue of IA published?
The first issue of Industrial Archaeology (IA) was published in 1975.
How often was the journal published between 1986 and 2019?
During this period, the journal was published biannually, although double issues were occasionally released.
Which industrial sites have been the focus of thematic issues?
The journal has featured thematic issues on the Springfield Armory, Montréal's Lachine Canal, and the West Point Foundry.
How many issues were dedicated to the Historic American Engineering Record?
Three issues were dedicated to the Historic American Engineering Record, published in 1997, 1999, and 2018.