Study Tour of Archeological Interpretation > 5. Putting It Together >

Questions and Issues

Goal: To consider the questions, reactions, and experiences that arose in Sections 3 and 4 through developing a series of questions and answers related to the issues.

Gather your responses from Section 3 and Section 4. This section will make use of your answers to the questions and help you to channel the thinking process you went through into developing interpretations of archeology for your own museum or park. Download a worksheet of the issues and questions listed below.

Issues of setting archeological research priorities

• Main mission of the park or museum
• How archeological resources fit into or expand the mission
• Park/museum planning
• Funding sources and logistical considerations

Questions about issues of setting archeological research priorities

• Is the administration “sold” on archeology and interpretation? Why or why not?
• How can archeology be more closely integrated into all the events, programs, and products?
• Will the research trigger a need for permits, Section 106, other activities?

Issues of integrating archeological research into museum/park's broader programs

• Non-archeology research, education, and interpretive programs
• Archeology as data collection to fulfill the mission
• Archeology as educational tool for public participation
• Archeology and public interpretation
• Public stewardship and protection

Questions about issues of integrating archeological research into museum/park's broader programs

• How do visitors use these programs?
• What trends are taking place in the surrounding communities?
• Who are the audiences of the park or museum?
• How may the integration affect archeological resources?
• What opportunities arise to teach stewardship?

Issues of archeology as a program focus

• Archeology as a focus of educational programs
• Archeology as a source for exhibits and displays
• Focus on archeological methods and techniques

Questions about issues of archeology as a program focus

• Do your archeologists need front-line experience as interpreters? How can they get it?
• What are your resources—people, places, materials?
• What is their current state of curation and care? Do plans need to be made for better care?
• What, if any, concerns are there for the use of these materials, particularly considering the protection of archeological resources?

Issues of interpreting archeology

• Coordination between interpretive staff and archeologists
• Coordination between museum/exhibit planners and archeologists
• Interpreting archeological finds (artifacts, landscape features, soil stains)
• Interpreting the archeological process (methods and techniques)
• Integrating archeological data with historical data
• Site-specific archeology (e.g. excavation of a single building)
• Thematic archeology (e.g. African American heritage)

Questions about issues of interpreting archeology

• Do your interpreters need training and experience in archeology? How can they get it?
• How do the themes of site-specific archeological interpretations relate to universal themes?
• Brainstorm and make a “mind map” of the connections between the archeological resources, the park or museum, and the people and places of the surrounding geographic region.

For your information

• Archeologists: Personal and professional responsibilities
• Interpreters: Personal and professional responsibilities

For your consideration

• What have you learned as a result of this guide?
• What will you do next with what you have learned?

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• Distance learning
• Contents
• 1. Introduction
• 2. Interpreters and Archeologists Working Together
• 3. Self-Guided Tour
• 4. Case Studies of Interpreting with Archeology
• 5. Putting It Together
  • Questions and issues
  • For your information
  • For your consideration
  • Print version
• 6. Use What You Know
• 7. Additional resources
• Course Certificate
• Credits