This volume examines evolving trends and transnational perspectives on public interpretation of archaeological and cultural heritage, as well as levels of communication, from local to regional, national and international. It is presented in the context of the evolution of cultural heritage studies from the 20th century “expert approach” to the 21st century “people-centered approach,” with public participation and community involvement at all phases of the decision-making process. Our premise is not just about bringing in community members to be partners in decision making processes; some projects are being initiated by the community--not the heritage experts. In some instances, community members are central in initiating and bringing about change rather than the archaeologists or heritage specialists. In several cases in the book, descendants take the lead in changing heritage narratives.
The book addresses several central questions: Do these actions represent new emphases, or more fundamental pedagogical shifts, in interpretation? Are they resulting in more effective interpretation in facilitating emotional and intellectual connections and meanings for audiences? Are they revealing silenced histories? Can they contribute to, or help mediate, dialogues among a diversity of cultures? Can they be shared experiences as examples of good practice at national and international levels? What are the interpretation and presentation challenges for the future?
Cultural heritage, as an expression of a diversity of cultures, can be an important mediator between pasts and futures. In the past, people in power from the dominant ethnic, racial, socio-economic, gender, and religious groups determined the heritage message. Minorities were often silenced; their participation in the building and growth of a city, county, or nation’s history was overlooked. New philosophical/methodological trends in public interpretation are reshaping the messages delivered at archaeological/cultural heritage sites worldwide. The role of the experts, as well as the participatory engagement of audiences and stakeholders are being redefined and reassessed. This book explores these processes, their results and effects on the future.
Author(s): John H. Jameson, Sherene Baugher
Publisher: Springer
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 258
City: Cham
Contents
Introduction
What Sets This Book Apart
Our Goals
Our Case Studies
References
Facilitated Dialogue and the Evolving Philosophies on the Public Interpretation of Cultural Heritage Sites
Introduction
Traditional Interpretation Practice
Development of Community Activism and Collaboration
Interpretation Through Inspiration and Cognitive Connection
Recurring Issues in Interpretation
The Facilitated Dialogue Communication Technique
Conventional Interpretation Versus Facilitated Dialogue
Facilitated Dialogue Skill Set and Delivery Outcomes
Facilitated Dialogue and Civic Engagement
Facilitated Dialogue and the Emerging Field of Critical Heritage Studies
Applications for Performance-Based and Museum Interpretation
International Organizations
Conclusions: The Role of Facilitated Dialogue in Cultural Heritage Interpretation
References
Part I: Descendant Communities as Part of the Heritage Narrative
Refugees, Resettlement, and Revealed History: Archaeologists, Planners, Native Americans, and Landowners Working Together to Create Tutelo Park
Introduction
Tutelo History
Designing a Project with Community Service-Learning Classes and Community Collaboration
Community Collaboration: Archaeologists, Native Americans, Planners, and Property Owners Working Together
The Archaeological Excavations and Community Participation
Tutelos Involved in the Project
Conclusion
References
Shifting the Narrative: Indigenous Cultural Heritage and Archaeology in Ontario
Introduction
Historical Context
Community Engagement Practice
Protecting Sacred Sites in Ontario
Co-management of Indigenous Heritage Sites
Cultural Stewardship of Indigenous Archaeological Artifacts in Ontario
Reciprocal Education Opportunities
Indigenous Archaeological Monitors, Liaison Officers, and Field Liaison Representatives in Ontario Cultural Resource Management Archaeology
Reconciliation
Conclusions
References
On the Horns of an Archaeological Dilemma: Balancing Site Confidentiality and Public Interpretation Imperatives at Delaware State Parks
Introduction
Defining Heritage Interpretation
The Role of Place in Connectedness and Learning
The One Park Initiative
Native Americans in Delaware
Policy and Intent into Action: Interpretive Case Studies
Fork Branch Preserve
Lenape Heritage Month Programs
Killens Pond State Park
The Native Ways Festival
Conclusions and Lessons Learned
References
Memories of a Bloody Battle: Analyzing the Portrayals of the German Militiamen and Their Oneida Allies at the Battle of Oriskany
Introduction
Critical Discourse Analysis
Historical Background of the Battle of Oriskany
The Monuments and Commemorative Events at Oriskany Battlefield
The 100th Anniversary
Memorials and Commemorations, Twentieth Century
The Oriskany Beech Tree Monument, 1912
150th Anniversary, 1927
The Unknown Soldiers Monument, 1928
Mid-Twentieth-Century Anniversary Events
Anniversaries and Battlefield Interpretation, Twenty-First Century
Interpretive Signs, c. 2000s
Visitor’s Center Exhibit, 2017
Visitor’s Center Portrait Exhibit, 2017
Visitor’s Center Artifact Exhibit Panels, 2017
Visitors Center Oneida Panels, 2017
240th Anniversary, 2017
Conclusion
References
The Germantown Archaeology Project: A Hudson Valley Community Collaboration
Introduction
Community Collaborations
Initial Excavations and Presentations
Early Involvement of the Local Schools and College
Installation of a Monument and the First Outdoor Exhibit at the Germantown Parsonage
Revealing Concealments and a Revelatory Cosmogram
Controversy Amidst, but Without Much Attention to, Cultural Resources
Continuing Community Feedback and Recent Developments
References
Community Archaeology and Collaborative Interpretation at a Rosenwald School: Understanding Fairview’s Past Through Its Present
Historical Background
The Fairview School
National Register of Historic Places Eligibility, Archaeological Significance, and Community Collaboration
Rosenwald Schools in Georgia
The Material Culture of the Fairview Campus
Collaborative Identification and Interpretation
Conclusions
References
Collaboration, Investigation, and Interpretation: Indigenous Narratives and Archaeology of WWII in the Northern Mariana Islands
Introduction
Historical Background
WWII Heritage and Indigenous Values
Collaborative Approaches
WWII-Related Cave Project
Collaboration
Products
Discussion
WWII Internment Camp Project
Collaboration
Products
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Part II: Non-descendant Community Involvement in Heritage Sites, Bridging the Divisions
Menorca Talayótica: Prehistoric and Current Communities – New Ways of Understanding
Introduction
The Talayotic Culture
The Social Context of Menorca
The Endurance of Prehistoric Monuments in the Landscape
Archaeological Heritage: Different Interactions
Collective Attitudes Regarding the Archaeological Heritage
Associations and Civil Engagement
Public Administration
Scientific Research Projects
Private Sector
Public Outreach
Talayotic Menorca: Candidate for the World Heritage List
Challenges
Conclusion
References
Inclusive Archaeology: ‘Forgotten Groups’ That Empower Themselves Through Outreach Activities
Introduction
Objectives
Principles and Methods of Action
Development and Implementation of Sample Activities
Puppet Shows Designed and Performed by Senior Citizens and Roma Women
Prehistoric Pottery Workshops with Senior Citizens and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Patients
Prehistoric Cookery Explained and Performed by Young Newcomers
Assessment and Results
Concluding Remarks: Lessons We Learned from the ‘Forgotten Groups’
Future Perspectives
References
Gold Rush vs. Heritage Preservation: Case of Roșia Montană, Romania
Background: A Short History of Roșia Montană
The Mass Media, Mining Project, and Community Movement
The Turning Point of Community Heritage Movement
The Community’s Fight for Roșia Montană
Roșia Montană: The Impact of the Mining Project
Nomination Process of Roșia Montana into the World Heritage List
Conclusions
References
Community Archaeology in Action: A Case Study from the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, Gateway National Recreation Area
Introduction
History of the Sandy Hook Lighthouse and Environs
Community Archaeology in Context
Developing a Community Archaeology Project
Research Methodology
Field Investigations
Conclusions
References
Decolonizing Fort Vancouver Through Archaeological Interpretation
Introduction
Fort Vancouver and the Colonial World of the Pacific Northwest
Historical Archaeology at Fort Vancouver
Case Study 1: Interpretation at the Field School
Changing Pacific Northwest Narratives
Place Attachment and Thank You for Your Service
The Visiting Public and Ancestral Connections
Case Study 2: Connecting Youth to Archaeology at the Kids Dig
Case Study 3: Fort Vancouver’s Resident Community and Archaeological Interpretation
Archaeology as an Interpretive Tool Strengthens Relationships with Community Heritage
Available Materials Often Determine How Residents View Heritage and History
Participation in Research Intensifies Local Residents’ Relationship with Fort Vancouver
Conclusion
References
Commentary and Conclusions by John H. Jameson
Developing Community-Engaged Relationships in Interpretation
Contributions of This Book
References
