Washington, May 17 (ANI): Hollywood actor Harrison Ford, who helped glorify archaeology on the big screen, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Archaeological Institute of America.

The 65-year-old actor, who portrays the adventure-seeking 'Indiana Jones,' has been playing a vital role in supporting the work of professional archaeologists, reports PR-Inside.com.

"Knowledge is power, and understanding the past can only help us in dealing with the present and the future," said Ford.

The Archaeological Institute of America is North America's oldest and largest non-profit organization devoted to archaeology.

"Harrison Ford has played a significant role in stimulating the public's interest in archaeological exploration," said Brian Rose, President of the AIA.

"We are all delighted that he has agreed to join the AIA's Governing Board," he added.

Meanwhile, the Hollywood action hero is getting set for the release of his new flick Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull in US movie theatres on May 22.

Moreover, the current May/June issue of Archaeology magazine, published by the AIA, features a cover story devoted to the mysteries surrounding the alleged crystal skull archaeological finds that inspired the new "Indiana Jones" film. (ANI)