Session: #514

Theme & Session Format

Theme:
3. Heritage Narratives and Representations
Session format:
Round table (without formal abstracts, only list of confirmed discussants / session co-organisers to be provided)

Title & Content

Title:
Adopt a Monument- Community Action in a Changing World
Content:
Adopt-a-Monument and similar community-led stewardship of heritage is now over 30 years old. From Scotland to Finland, Ireland to Italy, across Europe and beyond projects have been developing ways of supporting local people to care for and share heritage that is important to them. As we enter the post-covid world, acknowledge the realities of climate change and begin to understand the potential for archaeology as a medium for good in the lives of real people it is perhaps a good time to reflect.



Caring for heritage and developing skills have been a huge part of these projects but Adopt a Monument projects have also sought to enable participants to overcome barriers to participation, by devising and providing accessible engagement opportunities which are relevant to everyday lives.

It is 10 years since the first Adopt a Monument session was held at EAA and in that time things have changed dramatically. Projects have been developed that vary widely in terms of scale, audiences and outcomes. Yet the fundamental aspect of community action remains. Given this we feel now is a good time to reflect, to catch our breath and to get ready to ‘go again’ and tackle challenges old and new head on.

In this session we seek contributions from those engaged in caring for and championing our common past. Through a wide range of papers and position pieces, from professional practitioners and communities we will aim to address how we can meet our challenges, understand what the current strengths and weaknesses of these approaches are and to understand what our options and opportunities are for the next 30 years?
Keywords:
Adopt a Monument, Community Heritage, social impact
Session associated with MERC:
no
Session associated with CIfA:
no
Session associated with SAfA:
no
Session associated with CAA:
no
Session associated with DGUF:
no
Session associated with other:

Organisers

Main organiser:
Philip Richardson (United Kingdom) 1
Co-organisers:
Ian Doyle (Ireland) 2
Affiliations:
1. Archaeology Scotland
2. The Heritage Council of Ireland