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My Archaeology?
People sometimes ask professional archaeologists whether members of the public can feel included, or make any real
contribution to archaeology - a world which sometimes seems to be dominated by academics, professionals and
bureaucrats talking in jargon. In fact, there is a widespread and predominant view amongst archaeologists of all
kinds that full public involvement, and serving the public's needs, is the essential basis for the future of
archaeology.
The Past belongs to everyone - and knowledge and experience of understanding it is a common right. Everything that
archaeologists do - even if their work itself happens away from the gaze of publicity - is ultimately destined to
contribute to common knowledge and understanding. It is therefore vital that archaeology is properly communicated
(see communicating archaeology). Most archaeologists would say that education is one of their most important
motivations - for their own and for other peoples' benefit.
Participating in archaeology can consist of visiting a museum, monument or dig and learning something about it, and
perhaps helping to inspire somebody else by recounting the experience. Opportunities for training and education in
archaeology are widely available - in schools, at evening classes, amateur societies, training excavations,
volunteering at your local museum, even surfing the internet - or several of these - can all provide an excellent
introduction to archaeology. All kinds of people get involved, from many different cultural backgrounds, at all
ages and with all sorts of skills, abilities and disabilities. You do not need to have any qualifications in
advance, although you may wish to take some as your interest in archaeology develops.
Nobody should feel excluded from archaeology. Most of us do not own land with ancient monuments located upon it,
but most of us do live within easy reach of an important archaeological site or museum. Practically everyone in the
UK lives in an area, village, town or city which has interesting and unique archaeology and history - which is
often a part of the identity of that place. Even new towns, such as Newton Aycliffe are located within historic
landscapes and there is much local archaeological evidence. Knowledge of the past is for everyone, but archaeology
is part of the present too. However old or new your street is, and wherever your ancestors came from, the right to
participate in archaeology in the 21st century is as much yours as anyone else's.
Return to Communicating Archaeology.
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