Participating in the Past: Recommendations for Extending and Improving Public Participation in Archaeology

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6 Recommendations for Extending and Improving Public Participation in Archaeology

6.1 Community Archaeologists

Given the diverse and often complex character of archaeology today, there is little doubt that the establishment of community archaeologist posts in some areas has been of considerable benefit in promoting public participation and serving community needs and in forging a strong partnership between professional and non-professional (Schadla-Hall forthcoming). Such dedicated posts represent a very effective way of stimulating and guiding public participation at a local level. The establishment of more such posts is very much to be desired. Amongst their roles might be the co-ordination of fieldwork, the organisation of events, the provision of training and advice, and the promotion of community initiatives such as ‘adopt-a monument’ schemes. Though it would be highly desirable for such posts to be full time, there might be scope in some areas for combining them with the role of Portable Antiquities Recording Scheme liaison officers.

  • Recommendation 1: The establishment of Community Archaeologist posts should be vigorously pursued at a local authority level linked to curatorial functions. Opportunities to fund posts through local Rural or Urban regeneration initiatives should be investigated as well as traditional local authority sources, with encouragement and support from national statutory bodies.