Archaeological archives are often seen as a specialist resource for academic and professional researchers. However, at the Northamptonshire Archaeological Resource Centre (ARC), which opened in October 2021 as the purpose-built archaeological store for Northamptonshire, it is clear that the reach of these collections extends far beyond this narrow audience.
In this talk, Ben Donnelly-Symes will explore the ARC’s thriving volunteering programme, where more than 40 volunteers each week develop skills and carry out research on the collections. He will highlight participatory research projects focused on the ARC’s osteological collections and coins, as well as the Centre’s wider programme of public engagement, from open days to workshops.
The talk will also consider how archaeological archives can support wellbeing, drawing on projects run in partnership with Northants Talking Therapies and Northants Fire and Rescue. As the ARC sits on the site of the Roman town of Irchester, Ben will also reflect on its role in co-directing the Irchester Field School, a community and student excavation delivered with colleagues from the University of Leicester.
Finally, he will show how museums and archive repositories like the ARC can act as hubs for collaboration. bringing together the public, community archaeological groups, universities, professionals, and others to work collectively and maximise the impact of their work.
Speakers
