Project Archaeology’s Role in the Rise of Heritage Education in the United States

Summary

Archaeology education has been a part of archaeological practice in the U.S. for the past 30 years and is firmly rooted in the discipline's widely shared belief that public education about archaeology is key to protecting and preserving sites. But archaeology education has broadened to encompass educational goals and cultural heritage values that are much broader than only site protection. The goals of Project Archaeology--which began collaboratively in Utah to combat site looting and destruction—have evolved to include "use(ing) archaeological inquiry to foster understanding of past and present cultures; improve social studies and science education; and enhance citizenship education to help preserve our archaeological legacy." This paper provides an overview of the history of heritage education as it has evolved in the U.S. since the 1980's, with an emphasis on the role and development of Project Archaeology within this broader context.

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This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Project Archaeology Makes a Difference: The Next 25 Years   •
• Society for American Archaeology 80th Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA (2015)

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