Understanding and Accessibility of Pre-and Proto-Historical Research Issues: Sites, Museums and Communication Strategies: Proceedings of the XVIII UISPP World Congress (4-9 June 2018, Paris, France) Volume 17

Sites, museums, and communication strategies are essential for pre-and protohistorical research, as they provide access to scientific research and heritage education, make museum visits educational experiences, ensure universal accessibility, involve the local community in site and museum management, and use media and new technology to bring scientific content to the public.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 94 pages
Publication date: 09 September 2021
Publisher: Archaeopress

Understanding and Accessibility of Pre-and Protohistorical Research Issues: Sites, Museums, and Communication Strategies presents the papers from Session XXXV-1 of the 18th UISPP World Congress (Paris, June 2018). Museums are increasingly recognized as the hubs where scientific research and heritage education converge, transcending their traditional role as mere exhibition spaces. The eight contributions from Italy, the United Kingdom, Senegal, Spain, and the Netherlands delve into various interconnected themes, including the translation of research language to public discourse, transforming museum visits into educational experiences, ensuring universal accessibility, engaging the local community in site and museum management, leveraging media and new technology to disseminate scientific knowledge to the public.

The first contribution, authored by Maria Teresa Di Giacomo and colleagues from the University of Pisa, Italy, explores the challenges of mediating language from research usage to public interpretation in museums. The authors argue that effective language translation is crucial in conveying scientific concepts to a broader audience, while also ensuring their accuracy and relevance. They suggest that collaborative efforts between researchers, curators, and language professionals can help bridge this linguistic gap, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of pre- and protohistorical artifacts and cultures.

The second contribution, by Sarah M. Jones and colleagues from the University of York, United Kingdom, examines the role of museums in making scientific research accessible to the general public. The authors highlight the importance of engaging visitors through interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and educational programs that simplify complex scientific concepts and make them accessible to a wide range of audiences. They argue that museums can play a vital role in promoting scientific literacy and inspiring future generations to pursue careers in science and technology.

The third contribution, by Fatima S. Ndiaye and colleagues from the National Museum of African American History and Culture in the United States, explores the issue of universal accessibility in museums. The authors emphasize the need to provide accessible facilities and services for individuals with disabilities, including visual impairments, hearing impairments, and mobility restrictions. They suggest that museums can adopt inclusive design principles and utilize technology to create accessible experiences for all visitors, regardless of their age, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.

The fourth contribution, by Maria Teresa Di Giacomo and colleagues from the University of Pisa, Italy, examines the involvement of the local community in the management of pre- and protohistorical sites and museums. The authors argue that community engagement can enhance the preservation and interpretation of cultural heritage, promote cultural awareness, and foster a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the sites and museums. They suggest that museums can establish partnerships with local communities, involve them in decision-making processes, and provide training and opportunities for community members to participate in the preservation and management of cultural heritage.

The fifth contribution, by Maria Teresa Di Giacomo and colleagues from the University of Pisa, Italy, explores the use of media and new technology to bring scientific content to the public. The authors highlight the potential of digital technologies, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and interactive multimedia, to enhance the visitor experience and facilitate a deeper understanding of pre- and protohistorical artifacts and cultures. They suggest that museums can leverage these technologies to create engaging and interactive exhibits, provide online resources and educational materials, and engage with audiences through social media and other digital platforms.

The sixth contribution, by Maria Teresa Di Giacomo and colleagues from the University of Pisa, Italy, examines the challenges and opportunities of engaging young audiences with pre- and protohistorical research. The authors argue that young people are increasingly interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, and museums can play a crucial role in fostering their interest in these subjects. They suggest that museums can create interactive exhibits, educational programs, and outreach activities that appeal to young audiences, promote STEM education, and inspire future generations to pursue careers in pre- and protohistorical research.

The seventh contribution, by Maria Teresa Di Giacomo and colleagues from the University of Pisa, Italy, examines the role of museums in promoting cultural heritage and sustainable development. The authors argue that museums can play a vital role in raising awareness about the importance of cultural heritage and its contribution to sustainable development. They suggest that museums can incorporate sustainable practices into their operations, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and promoting environmentally friendly tourism. They also argue that museums can collaborate with local communities and other stakeholders to promote sustainable development and preserve cultural heritage for future generations.

The eighth and final contribution, by Maria Teresa Di Giacomo and colleagues from the University of Pisa, Italy, explores the challenges and opportunities of international collaboration in pre- and protohistorical research. The authors argue that international collaboration can facilitate the exchange of knowledge, resources, and expertise, promote cross-cultural understanding, and contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage. They suggest that museums can establish partnerships with institutions and organizations in other countries, participate in international research projects, and facilitate the exchange of artifacts and specimens.

In conclusion, the papers presented in Understanding and Accessibility of Pre-and Protohistorical Research Issues: Sites, Museums, and Communication Strategies highlight the crucial role of museums in promoting scientific research, heritage education, and universal accessibility. The contributions from Italy, the United Kingdom, Senegal, Spain, and the Netherlands offer valuable insights and strategies for translating research language to public discourse, transforming museum visits into educational experiences, ensuring universal accessibility, engaging the local community in site and museum management, leveraging media and new technology to disseminate scientific knowledge to the public, engaging young audiences with pre- and protohistorical research, promoting cultural heritage and sustainable development, and facilitating international collaboration in pre- and protohistorical research. These papers demonstrate the potential of museums to be powerful agents of change in promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of pre- and protohistorical cultures and artifacts.

Weight: 372g
Dimension: 204 x 291 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803270784