Content:
Prehistoric archaeological evidence is widespread throughout Europe and the Mediterranean region. Despite its prevalence, themes, sites, remains, and museums related to human prehistory are often perceived as distant not only chronologically but also conceptually by the general public.
Efforts by cultural heritage professionals, academia, the education sector, and science communicators aim to reconnect prehistory with society. Prehistory is at the crossroads of many scientific fields studying community transformations and adaptations throughout time and space, and can unveil many possibilities to bridge to the past with present dilemmas and challenges, such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, sustainability, cultural evolution and diversity over a long time, integration, migrations, as well as care and solidarity.
From the engagement in public archaeology events to the use of ever more refined communication and edutainment approaches in research centers, museums, and heritage sites; from the creation of dedicated educational programs on Prehistory for teachers and students to the development of prehistoric-themed science communication contents on mass and social media, the strategies to make Prehistory better known, attractive, and appreciated are countless.
Furthermore, by doing so, we not only uphold the value of our discipline and heritage but also contribute to scientific literacy, intellectual and cultural development, to face misinformation and pseudoscience, to a deeper understanding of the world and its challenges, and the involvement of citizens in decision-making processes concerning their heritage.
Throughout this communication process, it is crucial to prioritize inclusion and diversity, while having the capacity to reach all individuals, regardless of gender, age, physical and mental condition, social status, economic status, geographical location, or educational level.
This session seeks to explore the challenges and ways in which the world of human Prehistory successfully reconciles with the public through communication, with particular reference to projects focused on inclusiveness and engagement with diverse audiences.
This session is co-organised by Juan Gibaja, Berta Morell, Marta Portillo (Institució Milà i Fontanals (IMF‐CSIC), Spain), Patrizia Gioia (Independent Researcher, Ex Sovrintendenza Capitolina ai Beni Culturali (Casal de' Pazzi Museum), Italy), Gerard Remolins (ReGiraRocs SLU, Recerca, Conservació i Difusió del Patrimoni Cultura i Natura dels Pirineus, Spain), Jordi Serangeli (University of Tübingen, Senckenberg Centre for Human Evolution and Palaeoecology, Germany), Andrea Serodio Dominguez (Grupo de Estudos de Arqueoloxía, Antigüidade e Territorio. Universidad de Vigo, Spain), Gian Luca Zanzi (Sovrintendenza Capitolina ai Beni Culturali (Casal de' Pazzi Museum), Italy).
Keywords:
Human Prehistory, General audience engagement, Inclusiveness, Edutainment, Communication strategies, Prehistory Museums and Heritage sites