Description
Book SynopsisIn the face of increasing public interest and demand for information, archaeologists are collaborating with historians, museum curators, and exhibit designers to devise the best strategies for translating archaeological information to the public. This book opens doors for public involvement. It highlights successful case studies in which specialists have provided with the opportunity and necessary tools for learning about archaeology. Little Big Horn, Sabino Canyon, Monticello, and Poplar Forest are just a few of the historical sites featured.
Trade ReviewEliminating ethnic, racial, and gender-based bias is one of the strongest themes underlying the contributed articles in this book.... Jameson and his contributors have performed a great service for the discipline of archaeology by presenting field tested possibilities for programs that bring archaeologists out of their intellectual ivory towers. * Historical Archaeology *
The authors of most of these articles were the originators, organizers, or principals in the projects and they have generally presented the reader with information on what worked and what didn't work....Should prove useful for discussion in any class on public archaeology. * Journal of Field Archaeology *
Jameson's edited volume comprises 19 essays and an Introduction, and showcases archaeological interpretation for an international audience. The focus of the collection is not surprising given the editor's involvement with the National Park Service's Public Interpretation Initiative Program. First rate contributions have been elicited from knowledgeable archaeologists, historians, and museum personnel who have collaborated on and participated in a variety of public education and archaeology programs. The strength of the work, and its interdisciplinary appeal in this reviewer's estimation, lies in its topical and geographical diversity and content. These cohesive essays and case studies are grouped in four parts: Background, Strategies That Work, Interpreting Archaeology in Cities, and Interpreting Archaeology at Museums, Parks, and Sites. Each engages the reader to (re)consider the value of non-renewable and irreplaceable cultural resources. From Bill the Kid's New Mexico Territory to Jefferson's Monticello and beyond, this archaeological record imparts new insights and interpretations. Presentnig Archaeology merits a place on many bookshelves and reading lists. -- Paul R. Picha, State Historical Society of North Dakota * Journal of the West *
A valuable compendium of articles that address the presentation of archaeological information to an interested public. * American Antiquity *
Jameson's edited volume comprises 19 essays and an Introduction, and showcases archaeological interpretation for an international audience. The focus of the collection is not surprising given the editor's involvement with the National Park Service's "Public Interpretation Initiative Program." First rate contributions have been elicited from knowledgeable archaeologists, historians, and museum personnel who have collaborated on and participated in a variety of public education and archaeology programs. The strength of the work, and its interdisciplinary appeal in this reviewer's estimation, lies in its topical and geographical diversity and content. These cohesive essays and case studies are grouped in four parts: Background, Strategies That Work, Interpreting Archaeology in Cities, and Interpreting Archaeology at Museums, Parks, and Sites. Each engages the reader to (re)consider the value of non-renewable and irreplaceable cultural resources. From Bill the Kid's New Mexico Territory to Jefferson's Monticello and beyond, this archaeological record imparts new insights and interpretations. Presentnig Archaeology merits a place on many bookshelves and reading lists. -- Paul R. Picha, State Historical Society of North Dakota * Journal of the West *
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Acknowledgements Chapter 2 Foreword by John H. Jameson, Jr. and John E. Ehrenard Chapter 3 Introduction, by John H. Jameson, Jr. Part 4 One: Background Chapter 5 1. Presenting the Past: A Framework for Discussion, by Peter G. Stone Chapter 6 2. The Archaeological Site as an Interpretive Environment, by Parker B. Potter, Jr. Chapter 7 3. Locating Truths on Archaeological Sites, by Parker B. Potter, Jr. and Nancy Jo Chabot Chapter 8 4. Generalized Versus Literal Interpretation, by Stanley South Part 9 Two: Strategies that Work Chapter 10 5. Successfully Integrating the Public into Research: Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, by Margaret A. Heath Chapter 11 6. The Role of Public Participation: Arizona's Public Archaeology Program, by Teresa L. Hoffman Chapter 12 7. Sites without Sights: Interpreting Closed Excavations, by Karen Lee Davis Part 13 Three: Interpreting Archaeology in Cities Chapter 14 8. The Past through Tomorrow: Interpreting Toronto's Heritage to a Multi-cultural Pubic, by Karolyn E. Smardz Chapter 15 9. Ancient and Modern United: Archaeological Exhibits in Urban Plazas, by Sherene Baugher and Diana Dizerga Wall Chapter 16 10. The Evolution of Interpretation: The Charleston Place Site, by Nichols Honerkamp and Martha A. Zierden Part 17 Four: Interpreting Archaeology at Museums, Parks, and Sites Chapter 18 11. Public Archaeology at Cahokia, by William R. Iseminger Chapter 19 12. Interpreting Cultural Resources: Hatzic Site, by David Pokotylo and Gregory Brass Chapter 20 13. Putting people Back into the Landscape: Sabino Canyon, by Stephanie M. Whittlesey and Mary Farrell Chapter 21 14. Archaeology and Interpretation at Monticello and Poplar Forest, by Barbara J. Heath Chapter 22 15. The Interpretation of Slavery: Mount Vernon, Monticello, and Colonial Williamsburg, by Mark D. Bograd Chapter 23 16. Museum in the Making: The Morven Project, by Rebecca Yamin Chapter 24 17. Archaeological Preservation: Drayton Hall, by Meffett B. Lavin Chapter 25 18. Interpreting Archaeology at Little Bighorn, by Douglas D. Scott Chapter 26 19. The Archaeology of Billy the Kid, by David T. Kirkpatrick Chapter 27 Bibliography Chapter 28 About the Authors Chapter 29 Index
