In addition to engaging public interest, it is necessary

and desirable to publicize any project among fellow

researchers, funding bodies, sponsors and appropriate

heritage agencies. Presenting results to fellow researchers

is a vital aspect of dissemination for any archaeological

project. Fellow archaeologists may offer constructive

comments or draw attention to references or examples of

which the project team were unaware. Even if this is not

the case, peer-review is an essential part of thorough

archaeological research. It may also be necessary to pre-

pare a presentation for a heritage agency, funding body

or company representative, with a view to attracting

support, funds or assistance in kind for a project. Note

that, prior to approaching any funding body, it is wise to

carefully consider the type and scope of projects that

they can and will be likely to fund.

With such diverse audiences, the way a project is pre-

sented and publicized will vary considerably. The target

audience and reasons for publicizing a project will also

affect whena project is publicized. It can be beneficial

to publicize a project right at the very beginning. This

may attract offers of help (personnel, funds or equipment)

and could engage local interest from the start. However,

unless the project has a high profile, attracting media

interest at an early stage may prove difficult. Alternative

means of awareness raising may therefore be necessary.

Preliminary results of project work can be publicized

while research is continuing. This can raise the project

profile among other researchers and attract offers of

support. Interim publications are mentioned below but

T

his chapter examines the importance of dissemi-

nating archaeological work in both the public

arena and academic circles. It provides practical

advice about identifying and satisfying potential audiences

and highlights some important points concerning when

and how to publicize a project and its results.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLICIZING (WHERE

AND WHEN)

Recent years have seen a dramatic expansion in media

coverage of archaeology and history. This is a reflection

of the public appetite to learn more about our past; interest

in the human story has never been greater. Maritime

archaeological projects, in particular, have the ability to

spark the imagination of individuals, from children to

retired scholars and everyone in between.

Public interest in marine cultural heritage is vitally

important. Through a public appreciation of maritime

archaeology and an understanding of its potential, the per-

ceived value and importance of the resource will grow. This

will have a positive long-term impact on the discipline of

archaeology, promoting respect for the finite and non-

renewable resource and ensuring its inclusion in future

policy and planning frameworks. Similarly, it will have an

effect on the degree and availability of funding for con-

tinuing research and investigation. Public interest in

marine cultural heritage should therefore be positively

encouraged.

Presenting, Publicizing and

Publishing Archaeological Work

Contents

u The importance of publicizing (where

and when)

u Identifying and satisfying an audience

u Methods of presentation

u Writing reports and Publications

u A significant achievement and

contribution

20

Underwater Archaeology: The NAS Guide to Principles and Practice Second Edition Edited by Amanda Bowens
© 2009 Nautical Archaeological Society ISBN: 978-1-405-17592-0