Archaeologists Dig Indiana Jones

There’s a bit too many CGI effects, and too much Shia LaBeouf, for us to get really excited for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Regardless of our feelings, the hype machine is kicking into full-gear for the film’s release next week, and we couldn’t be happier to see a local organization benefiting from Harrison Ford’s star power.

WBZ reports that Indiana Jones himself has become a member of the Archaeological Institute of America’s board of directors.

The group promotes archaeological excavation, research, education and preservation around the world. AIA president Brian Rose says Ford, in his role as “Indiana Jones,” has played a major part in stimulating interest in archaeological exploration.

That’s largely because he has a whip and a cool hat. If they handed those things out at archaeologist school graduation, everyone would want to get in on that action.