Mobilizing the Past: Archaeology as Activism

Through studies of the past, archaeologists implicitly or explicitly influence the present. The impacts of archaeological research on everyday life range from government policy and legislation, to the reinforcement or subversion of societal norms through naturalization narratives, to the formation of community through a sense of shared past. Recognizing these impacts among others, archaeologists have begun to explore archaeology not just as a means of reconstructing the human past, but also as a tool for shaping the present. This empowers archaeologists to heal the wounds and ongoing violence inflicted by colonialism, legitimize the identities or narratives of marginalized people, better care for our environment, represent the needs of living communities, and improve the world around us. This session will explore how archaeologists can extend their focus beyond academia in order to positively impact living people through investigations of history and material culture. Presenters will build on frequently discussed topics in archaeology including community and indigenous archaeologies, demonstrating how we can further our approaches to help heal trauma and build community and bringing to light less commonly discussed issues such as homelessness, gentrification, and LGBTQ rights, thus, showcasing the versatile potential of archaeological approaches to activism.