BOSTON (AP) - The actor who helped glamorize archaeology on the
big screen is lending his star power to the Archaeological
Institute of America.

Harrison Ford, who portrays the adventure-seeking "Indiana
Jones," has been elected to the Boston-based organization'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.

The latest installment in the series, "Indiana Jones and the
Kingdom of Crystal Skull," premieres in U.S. theaters May 22.

In a statement from Ford released by the AIA, the actor said
understanding the past helps in "dealing with the present and the
future."

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)