HADAS was founded in 1961 by Themistocles Constantinides to investigate the Saxon origins of Hendon and since has grown to over 150 members covering the whole of the London Borough of Barnet, and addressing all archaeological periods.
[1][2][3][4] Its two declared objectives are to undertake archaeological and historical research, and education for the public benefit, with particular reference to the London Borough of Barnet.
[11] With the introduction of the UK Government's PPG 16 (Planning Policy Guidance 16: Archaeology and Planning) in 1990,[12] the opportunities for amateur societies to undertake invasive archaeology, such as excavations, reduced greatly[13] and so the Society has developed its use of non-invasive techniques such as ground resistivity analysis, and expanded its activities towards its other stated goal, that of education.
[15] The latest course in this series is entitled “Looking at Finds – A Practical Course in Post-Excavation Studies”, and is tutored by Jacqui Pearce BA, FSA, MlfA, of the Museum of London Archaeological Service (MoLAS).
There was a period of public consultation up to 17 January 2011, followed by a final recommendation by the Cabinet in February, as a result of which the museum closed on 31 March 2011.