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Digging Up The Public - “The Dutch public would prefer their own interpretation of the past instead of listening to the instructions of the archaeologist”

Samenvatting:

With the introduction of the revised Monuments Act in 2007, the Dutch archaeologist obtained a certain position. From a distance the public can watch what archaeologists actually do, they should especially listen to the interpretations of the past by the archaeologists and should not wish to interfere with their work. Although, archaeologists have gradually realized that they are involved in debates about what archaeological sites mean to current-day public, this public cannot really decide how they would like to learn something about archeology and what subjects should be dealt with. This thesis examines how the public would like to be involved in Dutch archaeology and whether changes should take place in how the public is now able to be involved in archeology. The next three groups: the public, volunteers in archeology (members of the AWN) and archaeologists are interviewed about the ways the public can get involved in Dutch archeology. Those interviewed agree that the way in which the public can get involved in archeology can be changed in the future. Both archaeologists and volunteers believe that the introduction of community archeology in the Netherlands will be a good idea. The public would like to be actively involved in archeology, with the help of; multi-media, expanding the Archeon and museums, and allow the public to help in the archaeological process, active participation will be possible. The adoption of interpretations and instructions of the archaeologist is something the public likes to do less. Archaeologists mention a number of disadvantages if archaeological community will be introduced in the Netherlands, in which deterioration in the quality of archaeological investigation is their main concern. According to the results of the on-line questionnaires, however, archaeologists believe it is not a problem that the public can take part in excavations of high archaeological value and therefore their greatest concern is not the quality of the research, but rather their loss in status. In my opinion, if the communication between archaeologists and the public will be improved and the public will be able to participate in archaeology in a more active way, this will not ensure that the status of the archaeologist is affected in a negative way, but this status will rather be increased because the public will be able to understand the archaeologist. In the future, better communication between the archaeologist and the public should therefore take place, democratic archeology is desired and as the results of this study show there is no real reason to be against this democratization.

Keywords:

Archaeology, Community Archeology, public outreach, Heritage, The Netherlands, Museums, Public Archeology, open days, surveys, archaeologists, volunteers.