Presenting Archaeology to the Public

Reviews / Votes

Eliminating 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 *