Developing Participation in Community Archaeology

Community archaeology is evolving beyond more traditional approaches. Recent projects have drawn a range of people into active participation in the entire archaeological process. But such community projects are not straightforward to run. This course will provide information and ideas to help archaeologists design, launch and sustain community archaeology projects that involve diverse communities in archaeological work of all kinds. As well as discussing examples, guidance and sources of information the course will include workshop sessions and practical discussion. This course runs on Friday 13 June.

This course will be of interest to archaeologists and heritage professionals working in commercial, national agency, academic, local authority and charitable organisations who want to develop community archaeology projects supporting the active participation of a wide range of people and groups.

Description

Widening understanding of the local heritage environment and enabling active participation in well-designed and managed community projects brings support, funding, publicity and archaeological information to participating organisations. However such projects are not easy to launch and sustain; this course is designed to provide professionals with the tools to tackle the challenges and difficulties. Participants will be presented with a range of approaches taken by different archaeological projects and organisations to involve diverse and different communities in active archaeological work, and there will be opportunities to discuss and explore these methods and ideas further. The course will outline the preparatory work, possible funding sources, training techniques, resource needs and longer-term demands of designing and carrying out such projects.

Methods of generating wider interest in local heritage as a prelude to more active community engagement will be introduced, as well ways of building confidence and involvement in groups less likely to join; the design of projects using all elements of the archaeological process will be illustrated, and all these aspects will be discussed by the course participants in a workshop and practical session. Finally the development and sustaining of participation over the longer-term will be considered along with ways in which project results can support wider engagement. The course will provide information and ideas, and using workshops and discussion aims to be practical and stimulating.