Abstract
The main research question of this chapter focuses on how archaeology as a science in secondary education could work as a doorway for cultural approach between the European students. How can the archeological practices conduce to the promotion and understanding of archeological culture and heritage among students in Europe? This subject is examined in the case study of the archaeological park of Archeon in Alphen aan de Rijn in the Netherlands. Under the perspectives of community archaeology and the context of Archeon, the research presents a short analysis of its school programs and their intentions, addressing educational and cultural purposes as an example of community archaeology in order to approach the public and its cultural awareness. Hence, the main aim of this chapter is to explore the possibilities of a more collaborative archaeology in the Netherlands and to promote suggestions for future approaches.
TopCommunity Archaeology In The Netherlands
In the Netherlands, the public is and has always been attracted to archaeology. Dutch archaeologists primarily answer this interest by inviting the audience to experience archaeology through a variety of options, like open days, exhibitions, books or school programs. There is, however, little inclusion and active participation of the public in the actual fieldwork and in knowledge production. There are no community archaeology projects as they exist for instance, in the United Kingdom, and the United States, in which (part of) the control in fieldwork lies in the hands of the participants and in which multiple voices are included in research planning, design, and interpretation.
Unfortunately, the engagement that the European programs offer to the visitors or students aims to passive engagement. The main purpose is to inform, educate and entertain people. Under this perspective, we talk about concepts that do not offer the audience the chance of inclusiveness, empowerment, multivocality, or the democratization of knowledge production.
Even though there are both practical and historical reasons for this current practice of public engagement, it is increasingly being acknowledged by members of the archaeological community that it is no longer the answer to the modern-day societal wishes and needs.
The main aim of this article thus is to explore the possibilities of a more collaborative and participatory archaeology in the Netherlands through Archeon and to set an example for other museums in the European peninsula focusing on two main premises:
- 1.
the constructivist educational theory as applied to the study of archaeology and education and its impacts in both formal and informal settings and
- 2.
the Pedagogical Content Knowledge approach to study the way teachers deal with indigenous heritage as a subject matter in their classes, and how the collaboration between teachers, archaeologists, and specialists in heritage and museums can contribute to enhance research in archaeology and education.
Archeon in Alphen aan de Rijn: A Role Model?
Archeon is an archaeological park in Alphen aan de Rijn, a small city in the Netherlands. The main purpose of this park is to preserve the relics of the Dutch prehistory, of the Roman period and the middle ages. The Archeon is not only a park in which someone could visit an archaeological site, but also an Archaeology house based on a reconstruction of a Gallo- Roman farmhouse.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Germanic Tribes: Germanic people were a diverse group of migratory tribes with common linguistic and cultural roots who dominated much of Europe during the Iron Age.
Benaki Museum: Is a private Greek museum in Athens which aims to support research onto history, archaeology and the study of material culture, architecture, photography, visual and performing arts and literature; educate and engage its audiences through permanent, temporary, and travelling exhibitions, courses, programmes, events, publications and openly available resources.
Middle Ages: In the history of Europe, the Middle Ages or medieval period lasted from the 5th to the late 15th century. It began with the fall of the Western Roman Empire and transitioned into the Renaissance and the Age of Discovery. The medieval period itself subdivided into the Early, High and Late Middle Age.
Museology: Is the study of museums. It explores the history of museums and their role in society, as well as the activities they engage in, including curating, preservations, public programming, and education.
Archeon in Alphen aan de Rijn: Is a Roman museum which is housed in a reconstruction of a Gallo-Roman farmhouse. A variety of collections is on display.
Merovingian Dynasty: Was the ruling family of the Franks from the middle of the 5th century until 751. They first appear as “Kings of the Franks” in the Roman army of northern Gaul. By 509 they had united all the Franks and northern Gaulish Romans under their rule.
Goulandris Museum: Is a private Greek Museums of Contemporary Art on Andros and in Athens, which offer the opportunity to a broader audience to come into contact with modern and contemporary art which was the main focus of their own interest.