Calling all Community Archaeologists

‘To promote the study and publication of archaeology and history in all their branches, especially within the ancient county of Kent’.

Recognise the quote? It is the founding principle of the KAS, and is as relevant now as ever, involving work with archaeologists and historians through a structure of well-established committees. In recent years, however, a new phenomenon has blossomed, labelled Community Archaeology. The KAS is in the process of developing new strategies and activities to support this sector and the starting point is you.

Whatever the KAS offers to Community Archaeologists must be based on real grassroots need. At the heart of Community Archaeology lies the notion of ‘by the people for the people’ - a community archaeologist is a volunteer doing archaeological and/or historical research for the love of it and sharing his/her findings with the community.

I can see many of you shaking your heads, saying that’s what we’ve always done, but major changes have impacted on the context of voluntary archaeology in recent years. Indeed, in the 1990s, it was predicted that the new contracting units would wipe out the voluntary sector. Factors, however, such as the incredible ease of communication through the internet, visionary TV programmes and the great increase in number of well-educated, confident retirees have turned that on its head.

This is what we are doing:

• Over the autumn of 2012 we will be listing all Kent voluntary groups involved in archaeological and/or historical research
• On December 8th 2012 there will be a conference on Community Archaeology at Shorne Woods - part of the day will involve a consultative session where we collect and discuss your support needs.
• The outcome of this will be turned into a simple survey which will be circulated in the New Year, asking you as a group or individual to put the main expressed needs in order of personal priority.
• Results and subsequent action will be reported in this newsletter

By autumn 2013 the programme of support should be ready to roll - but don’t forget, it’s up to you. If you want to know more, email commarch@kentarchaeology.org.uk or write via the Newsletter.

Pat Reid
KAS Fieldwork Committee