Constructive thoughts on the effect of cuts to archaeology and heritage

[BAJR]

It is hard isn't it? It is as if we actually don't know, and have just hoped that nobody will notice.

I found this... which is a quite good start as well, but even the full article [ The Value of Archaeology: 2003 ] itself falls into (IMHO) the same trap of demading that society sees our value, rather than we present it. This July, we have teh Festival of Britsh Archaeology ... we have in September the Scottish Archaeology month. the mission could be to show the value, to show the people enjoying themselves.. learning.. looking happy. But thats a different story for another time.

Here is the first part of the article, which I suggest you read... as it does help.

Archaeology as a discipline is often considered to be a past-time, the desire of
some people to obtain useless details on human evolution or long-vanished civilisations
and archaeologists must shoulder, at least, part of the blame for the present situation as
they have failed to adequately explain and disseminate their findings in a way which is
accessible and attractive to the public in general. Archaeologists have themselves created
the ‘cultural consumer’ referred to by Tilley (Tilley 1989), that is, a public whose
contribution is passive in nature, a helpless spectator being shown selected ‘treasures’ in
a museum.
It is, or it should be, the main task of the archaeologist to change this mercenary
view and ensure that the public recognises the importance of archaeology and the past in
modern society. The advantages of opening up the world of archaeology could be even
greater than we can imagine. Long term it has the potential to expand knowledge by
looking at the data from a previously unexplored point of view. Short term, it might be
the only way to preserve our cultural heritage. (Knoop 1993:442) The public, ranging
from the youngest child to the elderly, from the college professor to the workman, has to
be made aware of the value archaeology has in its everyday life.

Am I right in thinking there are three main serious 'issues' just now.?

Loss of Aggregate Levy..
Loss of funding (on already starved) Council Heritage Services
Loss of Heritage Protection Bill

Many other issues indeed..like
Loss of Direction for archaeologists themselves and a general connection with the whole of the public.

But, put it this way... the way its going, I am wondering why we matter as well. :0