Community archaeology publication

This is the publication from the 2006 conference at the Institute of Archaeology, UCL. It is an assessment of the aims, results and validity of the broad spectrum of community archaeology initiatives taking place over the last few years. The conference arose from a shared belief in co-operation between professional and non-professional archaeologists and the belief that archaeology does not have to take place in private between consenting companies. The 15 papers presented here are diverse, drawing on the expertise and experience of student archaeologists,academics, professionals, amateurs, educators and independent practitioners. The common themes to emerge include general theoretical reflections on the nature and significance of community archaeology, education, funding and sustainability, namely the dichotomy between one-off or medium term projects that are funded and long-term projects that tend to be staffed by volunteers. As well as the difficulties involved, this collection also highlights the pleasures and emotional dimensions of engaging with the materials remains of the past. The volume is available from Oxbow Books and edited by Gabriel Moshenka and Sarah Dhanjal, who I worked with in 2001 on the Museum of London's 'The Dig' when she was but a student. My contribution is on page 28.