Counter-Archaeology: Blending Critical Race Theory and Community-Based Participatory Research

Author(s): Marc Lorenc

Year: 2015

Summary

Exploring connections between critical race theory (CRT) and community-based participatory research (CBPR), the methodology outlined in this paper examines how archaeology can be both transformative and empowering through its involvement in civic engagement, critical pedagogy, and social activism. The paper examines various ways in which CRT can broaden our conception of materiality, accountability, inclusion, and collaboration through an analysis of systemic inequality and its varied effects on archaeological projects. Termed Counter-Archaeology, this paper focuses on how archaeologists are capable of transformative action through their active participation in dismantling white supremacy. Current collaborative work at the Historic Office and Homestead of Dr. James Still in Medford, New Jersey serves as a case study in the preliminary application of this methodology. As a long-term sustainable project, collaborative work at the Still site demonstrates the dynamic terrain of CBPR, public history, heritage site management, and accountability towards various stakeholder concerns and interests.

Cite this Record

Counter-Archaeology: Blending Critical Race Theory and Community-Based Participatory Research. Marc Lorenc. Presented at Society for Historical Archaeology, Seattle, Washington. 2015 ( tDAR id: 434020)

Keywords

Temporal Keywords
19th Century

Spatial Coverage

min long: -129.199; min lat: 24.495 ; max long: -66.973; max lat: 49.359 ;

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 350