"The Public Meaning of Archeological
Heritage"
A Seminar in Archaeology and
Interpretation
Module one of the "Effective
Interpretation of Archeological Resources"
shared training program with the National Park
Service
How is the past meaningful? How can people
make connections with the archaeological past? How can people
come to understand the long history of diversity that is the true
story of America’s past? How does archaeology
help us engage in civic dialogue about our Nations’ past and
future? Speakers and participants tackled these
important questions in the recent seminar on the “Public Meaning of
Archaeological Heritage,” held by the Center for Heritage Resource
Studies, University of Maryland, in conjunction with the National
Park Service, and the University of Maryland’s Office of Continuing
Education. This two-day training seminar took place at the University of
Maryland Inn and Conference Center on October 27-8 as the first module of
a four-course training program on Effective Interpretation of Archaeological
Resources (NPS
IDP Module 440).
Millions of people visit county, state and national parks every
year. Archaeology in these public places has tremendous potential
to broaden our national dialogue about the past and develop more
inclusive histories. The seminar and training were
designed to reach those interested in and responsible for programs
in archeological research, interpretation, and education in our
nation’s public parks and historical sites. Meeting the educational
and outreach mission of the Center for Heritage Resource Studies,
speakers focused on the connection between compelling stories about the archaeological past
and the public’s continued stewardship of cultural resources that
make up our collective heritage.
A selection of presentations from this recent
seminar are available by following the links below. Please
click here to see the full program
for the seminar.
