Archaeology & Wellbeing
Archaeology connects us, to each other, to the places we live, and to the people who came before us. From community digs to local heritage walks, archaeological experiences can reduce loneliness, support mental health, and help people find meaning through shared discovery.
Research shows that engaging with heritage can boost confidence, encourage reflection, and promote mindfulness. The act of uncovering stories, connecting with one another and the past, and getting out and about, can bring comfort, curiosity, and joy.
Explore our Archaeology & Wellbeing resources below to discover how archaeology can nurture wellbeing by connecting people, places, and purpose.
Open Doors and Open Minds
As part of our This Is Archaeology series, Wessex Archaeology shared a thought-provoking talk: Open Doors and Open Minds: Why Archaeology is Good for People, and Why People Are Good for Archaeology.
In this session, Arran Johnson and Natasha Bramall discussed how archaeology can be a powerful force for good, bringing people together, building stronger communities, and inspiring social change.
They explored how inclusive, co-created projects can make archaeology more accessible and relevant to everyone, while tackling issues like inequality and isolation. Their message is clear: archaeology isn’t just about uncovering the past, it’s about connecting people today.
Open Access Articles
Being Present With the Past by Dr Claire Nolan
Over the past 20 years, studies have demonstrated that engagement with heritage can facilitate wellbeing in a variety of ways, particularly through involvement in archaeological excavation. In this lecture, Dr Nolan considers how we might derive wellbeing through engagement with archaeology and heritage in everyday contexts, and how we can find personal meaning by simply being present with the past in the present.
Digging for Erlestoke
Digging for Erlestoke is a community dig with a difference, the community being a group of male prisoners from HMP Erlestoke, a category C prison in Wiltshire. Join Leigh Chalmers and Dr. Phil Harding as they discuss the project’s impact, exploring how archaeology can be a tool for rehabilitation, the discoveries made during the dig, and the personal stories that emerged from this unique initiative.
Archaeology & Wellbeing Activities
To celebrate the 2025 Festival of Archaeology, the Young Archaeologists’ Club (YAC) has put together a bumper resource pack all about archaeology and wellbeing.
It’s packed with hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity. You can explore the crafts and communities of Taiwan, design your own East African-inspired necklace, or create an island myth of your own. There are also activities that invite you to look closer to home, exploring your local heritage, your surroundings, your pets, and even your own story.
The pack was co-created by young people for young people, developed by the CBA’s Youth Advisors and student placements. Together, they’ve created something really special: a free, creative set of resources for anyone aged 8-16.
The Healing Bones
Richard Osgood is an award-winning archaeologist and co-founder of Operation Nightingale, an initiative that uses archaeological fieldwork to aid the recovery of wounded veterans and former service personnel. In this fascinating lecture, Richard talks about the work of Operation Nightingale and the positive effect that participation in archaeology has had on mental wellbeing.
