Project Archaeology Makes a Difference: The Next 25 Years

Part of: Society for American Archaeology 80th Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA (2015)

If every citizen understood archaeology and worked for the protection of sites and artifacts, how would it change the profession of archaeology? How would it change education? How would it change the world? Project Archaeology began in 1990 as an anti-vandalism education program for the state of Utah. Since then it has grown to serve 36 states and District of Columbia with archaeology education. More than 12,000 educators have participated in professional development events and used high-quality education materials in their classrooms or learning venues. Project Archaeology has grown far beyond its anti-vandalism roots and seeks to teach a deep conceptual understanding of scientific and historical inquiry, stewardship that is based on deep cultural understanding, and a long-term view of what it means to be human. This symposium traces the history of the program from its infancy to national acclaim and looks forward to a future of broad and deep impact on archaeology, education, and the human condition.