While all archaeologists have an ethical obligation to include the public in their work, these organizations aim to improve society's relationship with archaeological resources through dedicated study of public dialogue, community outreach, technological research, and policy development.
Archaeology In the Community
A
not-for-profit organization that “promotes and facilitates the study
and public understanding of archaeological heritage” with informal
educational programs, hands-on learning, professional development, and
community events.
The Center for Public Archaeology at Hofstra University
The
Center for Public Archaeology was founded by Christopher Matthews and
Jenna Coplin of the Department of Anthropology at Hofstra University in
2008. The Center works with Hofstra students and the greater community
to think critically about the relationships between the past and present
and the experience of place on Long Island, focusing on the the
archaeology of poor and marginal people, such as enslaved and free
African Americans, historic Native Americans, and others whose histories
are hidden by mainstream conceptions of history on Long Island.
The Center for Heritage Resources Studies
Associated
with the University of Maryland, this program is dedicated to
“responsible heritage development”. The program brings scholars and
practitioners together to support a comprehensive approach to the study
of heritage, especially the relationship between heritage and the
environment.
Center for American Archeology
A
not-for-profit organization that investigates the pre-contact history
of Illinois through “integrated programs of archeological investigation,
educational outreach, and cultural stewardship”.
Council for British Archaeology
This
UK educational charity is dedicated to involving people in archaeology
and to promoting the appreciation and care of the historic environment
for the benefit of present and future generations. Among many other
doings, The CBA has been closely involved with the development of
archaeological syllabuses for national education exams, and argued
vigorously and successfully for the inclusion of archaeology content
within the English National History Curriculum.
Crow Canyon Archaeological Center
A
not-for-profit organization that strives to “empower present and future
generations by making the human past accessible and relevant through
archaeological research, experiential education, and American Indian
knowledge”.
The Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN)
A
network of professional archaeologists throughout the state of Florida
whose mission it is to “educate the public about the wealth of
archaeological resources within our state” and to reach out to
communities interested in archaeology.
The Public Archaeology Facility (PAF) and Community Archaeology Program (CAP) Binghamton University, NY
The
PAF provides CRM work and practices public archaeology by increased
visibility in local communities. This is the training facility for
undergraduates and graduates in the archaeology program at Binghamton
University. The CAP allows the lay public to participate in
archaeological excavations conducted by the PAF; an alternative program
is geared toward local youth educators.
Community Archaeology Projects
These example projects demonstrate some of the current innovations that are transforming society's relationship with archaeological resources. The methods employed include public dialogue, community outreach, technological research, and policy development. Collaborators include specific or at large communities, business or public interest groups, descendants, stakeholders, and or public officials. The context may involve, among other factors, gentrification, tourism, race relations, national memory, and community empowerment.
New Philadelphia, Illinois
Since
2002, archaeology at this lost town, the first founded by an African
American since the Civil War, has been a collaborative effort among
archaeologists, the local community, and the descendants of the town’s
former residents.
Archaeology in Annapolis, Maryland
On-going
discourse in archaeology through field school excavations and public
tours; focus on critical anthropology and diverse interpretations of
historical events through a partnership with the University of Maryland
and Historic Annapolis Foundation.
Hampden Community Archaeology Project, Maryland
This
project is geared toward empowering Hampden residents (an urban
Baltimore neighborhood) through archaeology to determine the heritage
value of their neighborhood in the face of gentrification.
The Beeswax Wreck Project, Oregon
An
underwater archaeology investigation, begun in 2006, involving the site
of the “Beeswax Wreck” of Nehalem Bay that attempts to identify the
origin of the shipwreck. Archaeologists working on this investigation
emphasized community outreach during this project, including the use of
local historians, radio shows for public outreach, an archaeology “road
show”, and volunteers.
The President's House: Freedom and Slavery in Making a New Nation, Pennsylvania
A
joint undertaking of the City of Philadelphia and the National Park
Service, the President's House project is in response to community
interest, in particular that of the Avenging the Ancestors Coalition
(ATAC) and the Independence Hall Association. This web site hosted by
the Mayor's Office of the City of Philadelphia, has, among other
resources, the President's House Site Archeology Briefing Paper, texts
of several Community Roundtable Discussions, and links to the
Independence Hall Association’s extensive coverage of the President's
House history, re-discovery, expanded interpretation, and commemoration.
Levi Jordan Plantation, Texas
This
web site was a dissertation research project designed to help us learn
"more about how people talk about archaeology and history on the
Internet", 1998-circa 2000. Based in multivocality, these web pages are
built collaboratively by archaeologists, community members, and other
interested people. The page content involves interpretations about the
lives of Levi Jordan, his family, and the people who worked for them,
first as slaves and, later, as tenant farmers and sharecroppers. This
was dissertation research for Carol McDavid (MPhil Cantab, 2002).
Prestongrange Community Archaeology Project (Scotland)
A
heritage project that incorporates oral history, research, and
archaeology in the investigation of a site spanning from the 16th to
19th century, including the coal industry, a mill, and the glassworks
industry.
Chocolá Archaeological Project (Guatemala)
Archaeological
research of this Mayan site is intrinsically linked with community
development, rejecting the exportation of knowledge away from the
community.
Web-Based Public Archaeology
The following are some examples demonstrating the power of the internet for web-based public archaeology. These examples serve various needs including archaeology tourism, public CRM reporting, academic research initiatives, remote engagement, or other ventures.
Web-based Outreach
Archaeology’s Interactive Digs
Archaeology
Magazine produces this web page which features a current dig that is
updated regularly by archaeologists in the field so that visitors to the
website can follow the progress of the research. Five years of previous
digs are archived on the site. Although each site is different most
include field reports, dig diaries, and interviews with staff and
students.
Texas Beyond History
This
web site was developed by the Texas Archeological Research Laboratory
at the University of Texas at Austin, in partnership with 16 other
organizations. Begun in 2001, its purpose is to interpret and share the
results of archeological and historical research on the cultural
heritage of Texas with the citizens of Texas and the world. In this
virtual museum you will find information on and images of many different
aspects of the cultural legacy of Texas, a legacy spanning at least
13,500 years.
Web-based CRM Reporting
Digging I95
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) provide information about their findings during the reconstruction project along Interstate 95.
Archaeological Exploration and Historic Preservation in Delaware
This
web site developed by the Delaware Department of Transportation (Del
DOT) shares information with both the public and professionals
interested in Delaware history.
Excavation and Archaeological Investigation at Bartow County's (GA) Leake Site
Archaeological
studies were conducted at the important American Indian Leake Site
before the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) widened Highways
61 and 113. Between 2004 and 2006, archaeologists from Southern
Research, Historic Preservation Consultants, Inc. of Columbus, Georgia,
excavated portions of the site that were to be impacted by the highway
widening.