Local Archaeology Societies in the UK

Summary

Local archaeology societies in the UK are unique. They are a product of the British political and legal system combined with cultural attitudes to the past and the development of the archaeological profession. They are a melting pot of inexperienced beginners, expert volunteers, professional archaeologists and everybody in between. As a unique form of public and community archaeology, they allow volunteers to have a significant positive impact for and on both archaeology and society. This includes archaeological practice as well as material culture and landscape.

This presentation will illustrate doctoral research that has documented the activities undertaken by local archaeological societies. It will consider the context for local archaeology societies, the motivation that drives their members, and the impact that they have. Finally, it will suggest a model for best practice to ensure that the potential for these societies is capitalised upon to most benefit all involved.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Collaborative and Community Archaeology   •
• Society for American Archaeology 82nd Annual Meeting, Vancouver, BC (2017)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 15768