Session: #136

Content:

Churches and their associated burial grounds represent one of the most visible elements of heritage in many communities across Europe. These heritage assets may be managed by church or local authorities, but they are visited and valued by local communities even if they are now closed to new burials. This session explores how projects from a variety of countries have engaged local communities in recording, analysing, managing, or interpreting their churches and burial grounds. Local heritage assets such as these provide excellent resources for formal and informal schools and adult education, and they can also be interpreted to enhance tourism. Natural and cultural conservation can be promoted, although papers may explore how conflicts between competing priorities have been resolved. Many churches and graveyards provide valuable quiet places in urban environments, and archaeological perspectives can demonstrate how such spaces can enhance wellbeing and community identity. Some churches have active congregations that do not appreciate the heritage dimension of the places in their care, and those now redundant can be given new significance through archaeologists encouraging public engagement and providing interpretation. This session explores the many ways in which archaeologists and communities engage with churches and burial grounds and shares best practice and innovative approaches.

Session: #136

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