When did archaeology become a distinct subject separate from history?

Archaeology became a subject all its own and was classified as professional activity around the first half of the 20th century. Until then, it was considered a past time or was just an extension of other disciplines such as history and such. Once it was recognized as a subject in its own rights, it then became possible to focus on specific archaeology studies as an individual subject in universities and institutes.

The recognition was well deserved but was a long time coming. Now it is a career and is very important in many areas like social science and history. It provides the people a valuable service and also provides those who love archaeology a field of study and a field of work.