SOCIETY for
COMMERCIAL
ARCHEOLOGY
Established in 1977, the Society for Commercial Archeology (SCA) is the oldest national organization devoted to the buildings, artifacts, structures, signs and symbols of the 20th-century commercial landscape.
From diners, highways and gas stations to tourist courts, neon signs and more, the SCA celebrates the living history of America’s roadside.
Photo ©2018 Molly Block
Through publications, conferences, and tours, our mission is to focus public attention on the frail but culturally valuable pre-Interstate structures and experiences that once lined our commercial corridors. Our members partner with allies to bring attention to threatened structures and help developers and community supports find ways to incorporate history in to their plans for the future.
We invite you to read more about what we do, FAQ, events we host, and member benefits. Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Photo ©2018 Molly Block
Established in 1977, the Society for Commercial Archeology (SCA) is the oldest national organization devoted to the buildings, artifacts, structures, signs and symbols of the 20th-century commercial landscape.
From diners, highways and gas stations to tourist courts, neon signs and more, the SCA celebrates the living history of America’s roadside.
Through publications, conferences, and tours, our mission is to focus public attention on the frail but culturally valuable pre-Interstate structures and experiences that once lined our commercial corridors. Our members partner with allies to bring attention to threatened structures and help developers and community supports find ways to incorporate history in to their plans for the future.
We invite you to read more about what we do, FAQ, events we host, and member benefits. Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Upcoming Events
JOIN US JULY 13 – 15 FOR SCA @ BLOBFEST 2018!
Mod Betty of Retro Roadmap and SCA invite you to visit Phoenixville, PA for Blobfest 2018. Hosted at the historic Colonial Theatre, Blobfest is a three-day celebration commemorating the original 1958 classic, THE BLOB.
Blobfest includes screenings of The Blob and other horror classics, re-enactment of the “running out of the theatre screeming” sequence, and a street fair.
News & Advocacy
Roadside Roundup – Apr 2018
The April 2018 issue of Roadside Roundup is now posted. It includes:
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- Your invitation to join SCA @ Blobfest 2018
- SCA consults on Chester Bridge project
- How to save a roadside place
- Roadside news
- And more
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How to Save a Roadside Place
Interested in saving an endangered roadside place? No matter the type of place – from diners to motels to neon signs, and more – roadside heroes across America build support and find solutions to save historic roadside places every day. Unsure where to start tackling your own preservation project? This guide will start you on your own journey toward saving ...
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Society for Commercial Archeology Donates Archives to Alexander Architectural Archives
The Society for Commercial Archeology (SCA) has initiated the donation of our archives to Alexander Architectural Archives, Architecture & Planning Library at The University of Texas at Austin. Students began processing the many pieces as school work during the fall 2017 semester ...
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Road Trip!
SCA members have been touring the roadside for decades. From the Black Hills of South Dakota to the Jersey shore, we've been there! Join us for our next event, Blobfest 2018.
Read MoreSCA Roadside Photos
SCA members are amongst the most prolific chroniclers of the American roadside. Browse just a few of the millions of images they have captured over the past 40 years!
See PhotosPotential Roadside Loss?
Is there a structure in your area that is in danger of being lost forever? Please alert us so we can spread the word! Together, let's help save it!
Send Alert!
SCA Journal
Behind the Story of the World’s Largest Revolving Sign
Douglas Towne, SCA member since 1994, SCA Editor since 2004, and Roadside Fan since the 1970s, answers a few questions regarding his article in the Fall 2017 issue of the SCA Journal, “Ain’t No Valley Higher: The Spin on the ...
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