Digital Heritage and Archaeology: Applications of Web-based Technology for Community Engagement

DOCUMENT Citation Only Lisa E. Fischer. Meredith M. Poole.

Web 2.0 technologies can provide the public a "behind-the-scenes" look at archaeological excavations, thereby engaging them as the research is happening, not merely after the fact.  Since 2010, archaeological research has been ongoing at Anderson’s Blacksmith Shop and Public Armoury in Williamsburg as part of a project to reconstruct the site.  The archaeological investigations have been featured regularly on both a webcam and reconstruction blog.  The "roving" webcam, which is moved to...

DOCUMENT Citation Only Tonia Deetz Rock. Misti Furr. Kurt Thomas Hunt. Katie Jacobson. Kristina Wyckoff.

In this paper we present our public outreach efforts in response to the American "reality" television series "American Digger," which portrays looting of archaeological resources as a desirable and profitable enterprise at the expense of archaeological context and communal knowledge of our past.  Our efforts included blog posts, the creation and dissemination of a Change.org petition, and the facilitation of involvement and open dialogue through the creation and ongoing administration of a...

DOCUMENT Citation Only Matt Law. Andrew Dufton. Stu Eve. Tom Goskar. Patrick Hadley. Jess Ogden. Daniel Pett. Lorna J Richardson.

Day of Archaeology (http://www.dayofarchaeology.com) is an annual event which offers a view of the working day of archaeologists worldwide, and answers the question "what do archaeologists do?" On the first event, on July 29th 2011, over 400 people working, studying or volunteering in archaeology contributed blog posts describing their day. The published text is not scripted by the organisers, and only minimally edited. The resulting website presents a behind-the-scenes view of archaeology that...

DOCUMENT Citation Only Andrew Dufton. Stu Eve.

One aspect of the emerging field of digital archaeology involves the use of digital geo-technologies to create and disseminate location-based archaeological information to both academic and non-academic audiences. Although archaeological projects often lack the resources or expertise necessary to create tailor-made applications, existing services fulfilling a similar purpose can often be repurposed for archaeological projects. A specific case-study using the foursquare service will help shed...

DOCUMENT Citation Only Jamie Brandon.

The Arkansas Archeological Survey’s mission is to conserve and research the state's heritage and communicate this information to the public. The AAS has always been known for its outreach and education efforts, but it has been slow to turn to digital engagement.  This paper will talk about the author’s experience in doing digital (and analog) archaeological outreach and education in the predominately rural state of Arkansas for the past decade.  It will examine how digital outreach has changed...

DOCUMENT Citation Only Lorna J Richardson.

Within Public Archaeology, there has been a critical cultural shift towards awareness of the benefit of public engagement online. A tendency towards 'cyber-Utopianism' would suggest that Internet technologies can foster new dialogue, present community-constructed knowledge, underpin new organisational relationships, whilst redistributing access to cultural resources. Although the democratisation of online communication and production have stretched the boundaries of belonging, critical...

DOCUMENT Citation Only Lynne Goldstein.

Archaeologists generally believe that public engagement is important and useful, and most believe they are doing so. Many have seen relative ease of use of the web as a panacea for such work. Having been involved in archaeological research, outreach and community engagement for over 40 years, I have experience with a variety of methods. As technology changes and we try to embrace new techniques, however, it is rare that we reconsider our overall engagement strategy, or create a specific plan....

DOCUMENT Citation Only Sarah Miller. Amber Grafft-Weiss.

All archaeology on-line is a form of outreach, yet behind every site a brand of public archaeology is in practice.  Using previously defined roles of public archaeologists, this paper will examine the application of those modes on-line.  While all approaches accomplish an on-line presence, the community collaborative brand is more visible, sustainable, and efficient as measured through analytics.  A look at the multiplatform social media strategy used by the Northeast Regional Center for FPAN...

DOCUMENT Citation Only Cyrus Forman.

            The African Burial Ground National Monument is one of the  smallest units of the National Park Service. Established in 2006, this still developing institution has developed an outsized presence in new and social media; in a short time it has become the most followed unit of the National Park Service on twitter, and has found ways to use podcasts and QR codes to expand the interpretive profile of the site.  These efforts have fhelped unite a disparate series of interest groups,...

DOCUMENT Citation Only Terry P. Brock.

Historic St. Mary's City is a living history and archaeology park dedicated primarily to the recreation and preservation of the 17th century landscape of Maryland's first capital city. However, the landscape has undergone significant change since the city's abandonment in 1700, including a significant period as a slave and tenant plantation. Because this period of the past no longer exists on the landscape, HSMC has pursued funding to build an online digital exhibit to tell the story of the...

DOCUMENT Citation Only Brendon Wilkins. Lisa Westcott Wilkins.

In July 2012, DigVentures will host Europe’s first crowdfunded and crowdsourced excavation at the internationally significant Bronze Age site at Flag Fen (www.digventures.com). Crowdfunding has been successful in creative industries, where ideas that may not fit the pattern required by conventional financiers can achieve traction in the marketplace, supported by what has been called the ‘wisdom of crowds.’ This new approach to funding will be combined with crowdsourcing, inviting the public to...

DOCUMENT Citation Only Jeffery K Guin.

Archaeologists have been early adopters of digital technologies relative to other heritage-related professions. But how often are their online communications initiatives informed by audience-based strategic intention? The pervasiveness of online tools makes engagement ever easier, and as a result, a less meaningful measure of influence. Conversely, planning for digital communications is often an uncomfortable and intensive process that results in more effective online initiatives by clarifying...