The Nautical Archaeology Society, a case study of communicating with different communities
Channel: European Association of Archaeologists
Date: 2020-09-21

Full Title: The Nautical Archaeology Society, a case study of communicating with different communities: plain sailing and hidden hazards 

The Nautical Archaeology Society provides an excellent case study for the use of traditional and new media for communicating archaeology. Unlike other learned societies, the NAS was formed in 1974 with the primary role of avocational fieldwork training to educate the growing diving community about the value of underwater archaeology. In parallel with this, the NAS plays a role in shaping international heritage policy and publishes the International Journal of Nautical Archaeology, the leading academic journal for the subject. There are (at least) three overlapping groups the NAS communicates with: academic and professional archaeologists; avocational archaeologists and divers; and the general public. Each of these groups has nuanced communication needs that embrace both traditional and new media. NAS communication has been designed to counter the effects of the destructive public image of treasure hunting for gold-laden wrecks and to establish the scientific basis of the discipline. ‘Do it yourself’ science and the democratization of data are at the core of these endeavours. The challenges of working in the marine environment have meant early uptake of new digital technologies on site that are easily transferred to modern means of communication. Moreover, the inability of the vast majority of the public to experience the sites first-hand has made innovative ways of communicating their heritage and archaeological value a necessity. Methods used include: journal articles, conference talks, supporting a MOOC, eLearning, hands-on training days, YouTube channel, Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.), and, most recently, virtual dive trails. While the combination of audiences NAS communicates with and the concomitant variety of methods used has developed organically, NAS and the IJNA have now reached a point where strategies need to be put in place for a more coherent use of ICT for future growth and benefit. 

Author(s): Richardson, Miranda (NAS/IJNA) - Knott, Peta (NAS)