Archaeology Education As Redress: Highlighting Archaeology in the Community’s Education Programs

Archaeology programs conducted daily by archaeologists make a difference in how citizens perceive their cultural heritage and science. Through educational programs and outreach, archaeologists are inspiring new generations to explore the many fields of archaeological study. Educational programs, which introduce students of all ages to archaeology through an informal education model, tend to capture the attention and the interest of the students. Archaeology can be redress; it can begin the process of setting right the wrongs caused by those in the past. It has the ability to do social justice work, particularly with communities that have been victim to past atrocities. Archaeologists have the ability to raise collective consciousness around inequity and promote the demands and desires of the communities where they work. Archaeology in the Community (AITC) uses archaeology education as a tool of redress; it conducts programs in communities seeking to address local needs and heritage concerns identified by the local communities.