Public Access to (Pre-)History Through Archaeology

Abstract

Public history, like experimental archaeology, is relatively new as an accepted academic program; the two fields are intrinsically linked and should, ideally, use interdisciplinary collaboration to better educate and involve the public in their work. This paper presents case studies in education and interpretation by the author, as well as exemplary programs from various sites in the United States and Europe. In its conclusion, the author suggests best practices for interpretation and public engagement with experimental archaeology through contributory and collaborative work. This paper, an extension of a presentation at the Reconstructive and Experimental Archaeology conference in Williamsburg, Virginia USA in 2017, explores the ways public historians and archaeologists work in museums and historic spaces through artifacts, interpretation, education, and other interdisciplinary undertakings.

Keywords

• education
• interpretation
• methods and techniques
• newest era
• usa