Working Side-By-Side at the Grassroots Level: the Role of the Non-Profit and Avocationalist

Summary

Often, archaeological endeavors are sparked by one lone man or woman in the community driven by an avocational interest in their cultural heritage. This paper discusses how fostering relationships between multiple non-profits (archaeological/historical societies) and encouraging avocational involvement can revitalize the discipline of archaeology on a local to national level. The collaboration of multiple non-profits in archaeological endeavors has become a common practice in recent years as socio-economic restrictions deplete government support in preserving cultural heritage.  In Anne Arundel County, laymen and professionals volunteer side-by-side to implement the preservation and understanding of archaeological resources, allowing professionals to educate the public, while the experiences of avocationalists trigger new outlooks on methodology and technology, making for a vibrant and sometimes conflicting conversation on archaeological approach. Case-studies of County archaeological projects demonstrate how these local societies put a spotlight on cultural heritage, encourage community involvement, and assist in the preservation of archaeological resources.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• What We Do To the Public and What the Public Does To Us: Outreach, Collaboration, and Education in Anne Arundel County, Maryland   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2016

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 945