Preface: Writing ASAO Histories

Abstract

Keeping the written history of the Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania has been on the agenda for ASAO since the very earliest days of the organization’s existence. This essay recounts various efforts to document that history and to compile significant records, such as a bibliography of publications arising from ASAO sessions. It then describes the process behind the development of the papers in this collection over the course of several ASAO sessions and briefly describes the focus of each essay. Paper topics range from the nature of ASAO sessions, annual meeting site selection, and the distinguished lecture series; to issues of inclusiveness and rights of membership, Pacific Islander participation, and student mentoring; to ASAO book series and other forms of communication including newsletters, the ASAONET listserve, and the ASAO website.