The Society for the Study of Ancient Egypt (SSAE) came into being following a series of very successful Adult Education classes on Egyptology, held in various communities throughout Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Students attending these courses wanted to extend further their own knowledge and to meet other people with similar interests. 

The course tutor Tony Harkus, brought together many of these like-minded souls and, in November 1992 the Society for the Study of Ancient Egypt was formally established, with Tony as its first Chairman. Unfortunately, ill health forced Tony to stand aside as Chairman soon afterwards. Sadly, Tony died in December 1997 and, as a token for the lasting debt which the Society owes to its "Founding Father"; the first lecture of each year is named the "Tony Harkus Memorial Lecture" in his honour.

The SSAE has continued to grow from strength to strength and now one of the largest Ancient Egypt Societies in the United Kingdom with members throughout the UK.

The SSAE MAIN Society has a membership scheme which offers 6 lectures a year from leading figures in the field of Archaeology and Egyptology. 

We also :

•  have social events through the year including trips in the UK and abroad. 
  
• organise holidays in Egypt for Members and friends of the Society. ​
  

The Chesterfield Egyptology Society (CHES) formerly the SSAE LOCAL group, came about as a desire of those who wanted more Egyptology.  It started essentially as 'in house' presentations by members and has evolved into a  substantial offering of events.

In additional to the regular lecture programme, both groups offer occasional 'special' events ranging from a couple of lectures to a full day-school on a particular theme.

We also support by sponsorship various organisations in Egypt.  These include :

• 'The Colossi of Memnon and Amenhotep III temples conservation projects' directed by Dr Hourig Sourouzian.
  
• The 'ACE' (Animal Care in Egypt) charity
  
• Others as occasion arises.
  

For more information about the two groups programmes, please use the appropriate tab on the 'Events' button.