NDAS was established in 1959, and for many years concentrated on providing lectures and visits for members. The society merged with North Devon Rescue, a campaigning organisation which had been instrumental in ensuring proper recording and excavation in the area, particularly during Barnstaple's major redevelopment in the 1980s.
The society continues to lobby and campaign for proper investigation and preservation of North Devon's physical heritage.
Members of NDAS are well placed to be involved in cutting-
The Society’s interests cover the whole of the Northern Devon Area and we have good contacts with other local societies with similar interests.
Members take part in all aspects of practical archaeology including geophysical surveys, earthwork surveys, excavation, fieldwalking, potwashing etc. and the Society has attempted to train members in all these areas whenever possible. Training days are also held on documentary research, flint identification, pottery identification, pottery drawing etc.
NDAS welcomes all new members, regardless of whether they have any previous knowledge of archaeology.