Archaeology in the Community

Across Kent, local history and archaeology groups have for many years been doing great work investigating the heritage of the county. The Newsletter often carries brief reports of their work, whilst Archaeologia Cantiana presents more in-depth accounts. The groups are communities formed through a common interest in a local area or a subject; the KAS is itself a wider community of like-minded people.

The advent of developer-led archaeology over the last two decades has seen the rise of professional commercial units, contracted in to investigate sites often on the doorstep of interested locals. However, there has been recognition in recent years that people want more access to ‘their’ archaeology. These may be people who don’t belong to a local group, but are enthusiastic about getting involved and finding out more. Local and national authorities are responding to this enthusiasm by finding ways in which people can take part.

This issue focuses on community involvement in various projects currently underway. The KAS is formulating a community project, in which it is hoped that many of you will become involved – see page 9 for more details.