The Society for Historical Archaeology (SHA) is the biggest scholarly group concerned with the archaeology of the modern world (A.D. 1400-present). The main focus of the society is the era since the beginning of European exploration. SHA promotes scholarly research and the distribution of knowledge concerning historical archaeology. The society is specifically concerned with the identification, excavation, interpretation, and protection of sites and materials on land and underwater. Geographically the society emphasizes the New World, but also includes European exploration and settlement in Africa, Asia, and Oceania.