Early in 1986, a small group of volunteers supporting the City of Alexandria Archaeology Office met to discuss the possibility of creating a “Friends” group. The group sought ways in which to expand the volunteer opportunities at Alexandria Archaeology. The first annual meeting of the Friends of Alexandria Archaeology (FOAA) took place in March 1986, when the first elected Board of Directors was voted into office. That same year, the City of Alexandria Archaeology Office bestowed the “Volunteer of the Year” award upon the founders for their achievement in organizing the Friends of Alexandria Archaeology.

In the years that have followed, FOAA has provided financial support, volunteer opportunities, and increased public awareness of the importance of archaeology in the City of Alexandria through activities including lectures, family programming, and community events. FOAA has also provided scholarships to the City of Alexandria Archaeology Summer Camp to allow young people, who otherwise would not have had the opportunity, to experience archaeology firsthand.