The Enduring Expression of Historic Memory: The Role of Artistic Works in the Understanding, Protection, and Promotion of Cultural Resources

Maritime disasters, military battles, and other significant traumatic events can develop enduring bodies of creative expression that work to preserve their memory, impact, and sense of place, and transforms them into shared social experiences even well after the events occurred. It may take the form of song, paintings, physical models, exhibitions, memorials, devotionals, novels, and/or film.  In this symposium, archaeologists and historians discuss examples of these forms of artistry as they relate to specific events and their associated archaeological sites and/or landscapes. Of particular interest are how the historical analysis of creative media deepens our understanding of the social importance of archaeological sites, and how their promulgation and persistence aids or hinders our ability to protect and promote vulnerable cultural resources.