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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          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| **Published by the DOI Departmental Consulting Archeologist/NPS           Archeology Program, National Park Service, Washington,           DC, July 1999.**

*This technical brief is the fourth in our publication           series on archeological public education and outreach. It summarizes           the approaches and successes from states across the country that have           sponsored archeology weeks.*

*This revision of the 1993 version includes new information           on state archeology week programs, collected through a phone survey           of program coordinators in 1996 and 1997. Specific examples are cited           to benefit others planning programs. This revised version is available           only on the Internet*.

**Why           Have an Archeology Week?**

*"This week-long public outreach is one of the most           exciting things we are doing collectively in Vermont to promote archeological           education" (Callum 1995:1)*

Archeology is full of discovery and attracts a curious           public who wants to participate. State archeology week provides a venue           for archeologists to involve the public, promote the preservation of           archeological resources and illustrate the scientific process of the           discipline. It offers educational events for the public and increasingly           for schools to generate understanding and support for archeology. In           1996, over 2,000,000 people visited state archeology week events, and           this number is a conservative estimate. 

 The first state archeology week was organized by Arizona           in 1983 (Hoffman and Lerner 1988:1-2). Originally, the program consisted           of a small exhibit and a few events with limited publicity. It has grown           to a month-long celebration that includes an Archaeology Expo, a fair           where the public may view demonstrations, tour ancient sites, and view           living history events. In 1997, thirty-nine states celebrated archeology           week or month for their citizens (Figure 1). This large number is a           tribute to the hard work and dedication of many professionals, avocationals           and other volunteers who recognize the value of this annual outreach           program. 

Some states have struggled with either beginning or           continuing a program. Three states have discontinued them. The reasons           often include the time and cost in managing the program, the lack of           professionals working in the state, or problems with reaching a large           rural population. Several State Historic Preservation Office's (SHPO)           cited the lack of resources and that it was not a mandated program.           Other states have found creative ways to deal with these problems (see           Oklahoma sidebar below). States that           lack resources might consider an archeology day or weekend, or coordinate           and share resources with an adjacent state. Arizona expanded only when           more funding and sponsors were available. States should create models           that fit their unique situation.

**Organization**

Archeology week requires considerable planning and           effort. States generally coordinate their efforts from a central, organizing           office by an ad hoc steering committee composed of professional archeologists           and avocationals. The committee plans the overall event, disseminates           information, raises funds, provides a mechanism for advertising, and           encourages the participation of archeologists, volunteers, and organizations.

Local sponsors usually organize and publicize individual           events. The committee should engage local groups in the planning process.           Local event sponsors need to feel as though archeology relates to them.           Local community involvement also boosts public participation in the           events.

In 1993, either the state archeologist, the SHPO, a           federal agency, an avocational society, a professional archeology organization,           or a private contracting firm led the organizing office. By 1997, the           SHPO had taken more responsibility for planning and financing (Figure           2). In all cases, an organizing function that keeps track of events           is absolutely crucial. 
**Oklahoma State Archeology Week**Oklahoma has a large,                     rural population and few professionals and avocationals. The                     "typical" archeology week was not a feasible method for reaching                     most of their population. Instead, organizers sponsored events                     at the state fair rather than in local communities throughout                     the state.                     The fair, the third largest in the United States, attracts                     about 2 million residents (Brooks 1995). The events included                     exhibits, hands-on activities and contests. They distributed                     over 8,500 posters, 4,500 stickers, 3,000 flyers, and 1,500                     brochures. This approach allowed them to reach a large audience                     with few resources. *back*
Most states agreed that a paid coordinator is essential           for improving and expanding their state archeology week. Individuals           who perform this job voluntarily can't devote the needed time for advertising,           fund-raising, and program content. Better advertising can result in           higher attendance, while finding more permanent funding sources increases           the likelihood of continuing the program. The few paid coordinator positions           (Vermont, Arizona and South Carolina) are part-time and without benefits.           Unfortunately, Vermont was unable to fund the position in 1997 (personal           communication, Giovanna Peebles). The organizing office should consider           paying for a temporary position or using their education coordinator           to help carry out this function.

**Timing           and Scheduling**

First, a date must be chosen for the proposed archeology           week. The time frame selected by states is usually in the fall and spring.           They schedule to coincide with archeological work, good weather, and           the school year. A few states hold archeology week during National Historic           Preservation Week. However, others felt that it should be held separately           in order to develop programs that best suit the need of their audience.

The earlier planning is started, the more time is available           to make arrangements, get commitments from individuals and organizations,           and schedule events. States have taken from three to thirteen months           to plan their archeology week (Figure 3). On average, planning begins           at least six months in advance, and organizational meetings occur once           or twice a month. Some agencies and organizations might complain that           it is difficult to commit to specifics so far in advance. An early starting           point is vital to allow coordinators and sponsors enough time to shape           quality programs. Starting early also leaves time to raise funds and           design promotional posters and brochures. 

**Sponsoring:           Giving Money and Energy**

Funding is the most critical element in sustaining an           archeology week. Committees must search extensively to secure sufficient           funds and be increasingly inventive in soliciting help and finding co-sponsors.           Combining volunteer assistance with in-kind and outright funds from           federal, state, and private sources finances most programs (Figure 4).
**Figure                     4.                    Sample of Sponsors of                    State Archeology Week*****Federal***                    Bureau of Indian Affairs                    Bureau of Land Management                     Bureau of Reclamation                    Fish and Wildlife Service                    National Endowment for the Humanities                    National Park Service                    Natural Resources Conservation Service                    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers                    U.S. Air Force                    U.S. Forest Service ***State***                    Department of Natural Resources                    Department of Tourism                    Department of Transportation                    Historical Society                    Indian Affairs Council                    Lottery                    Museums                    Parks                    State Historic Preservation Office                    Universities ***Local                     & Private***                    Archeology Consulting Firms                    Avocational Organizations                    Corporate (Exxon, Motorola, WalMart)                    Foundation                    Individual                    Local government                    Museums                    Native American Tribes                    Sierra Club                    Universities                    Utility companies Source: NPS Survey 1996
Many archeologists and their professional organizations           are asked to co-sponsor events, donate time and money, and to lecture           and give demonstrations. In our survey the number of participants ranged           from 6 to 100 in each state. Alaska, Hawaii, New York, and West Virginia           depend, in large part, on professionals working in the state. College           archeology students are pivotal contributors in Minnesota.

Avocational organizations are an important source for           volunteers and financing. In Washington, they plan the archeology week           (personal communication, Whitlam) and in Texas, 20 avocational societies           help the state archeologist with the program (personal communication,           Cruse 1997).

Museums and universities also provide in-kind donations           and sponsor events. Museums have facilities for exhibits and lectures           and an audience that is prepared and willing to learn. Universities           have lecture facilities and students who are willing to volunteer in           order to obtain experience. 

More states are tapping private business for support.           Archeological consulting firms are prominent among these sponsors. Utility           companies involved in compliance archeology also are important contributors.           In exchange, they receive considerable goodwill publicity. Many private           contributions are directed toward producing posters. The list of contributors           printed on them is great publicity for a company. 

Private foundations are underutilized as a funding source.           Only Kansas reported support from a local foundation. Foundations contribute           millions to specific causes annually including historic preservation           and education programs. These contributions are substantial and can           sustain archeology week for several years. 

Fewer states are seeking grants from their humanities           councils. These grants are for small amounts of money and usually cover           items like the posters, brochures, copying, postage and honoraria. These           grants are never guaranteed and may come with strings attached. For           instance, a final report is usually required and strict documentation           of expenditures is needed. The management of the grant is time consuming,           which has discouraged states from submitting proposals. 

There are products that may serve as alternative sources           of revenue. The public might want to purchase posters, lesson plans,           teacher guides, children's books, and tee shirts. These products could           be sold to bookstores, schools and visitors.
 
It is nearly impossible to calculate the cost of an           archeology week. Most states only track the cost for products, committee           salaries, honoraria, postage, mailing, and supplies. These costs ranged           from $1,000 to $21,000, the average being $8,700. Few states could estimate           in-kind donations and volunteer time. The following estimates were provided;           Oregon ($28,000), Texas ($50,000), Vermont ($15,000), and Washington           ($30,000). Figure 5 displays the range of total costs reported in the           survey. To assist in future fund-raising efforts, more detailed records           of expenses and in-kind contributions should be kept. 

**Publicity**

An archeology week cannot succeed without publicity.           There is no point in creating fabulous programs if no one knows about           them. Sponsors should plan to spend considerable time finding ways to           publicize events.
Wyoming's               award winning 1998 poster.
The standard promotional kit usually includes a governor's           proclamation, poster, and a calendar of events. The poster has become           the symbol for archeology week. It is an attractive, creative and professional           product that can be mailed with other information on the archeology           week to schools, museums, and libraries for public display. Posters           can be placed in high-traffic areas, such as bookstores, supermarkets,           shopping malls, and business offices. Budgets usually cover poster production,           unless it is donated from a local company. 

Contests are one means for designing them. One suggestion           is to advertise the contest as an art contest to generate more creative           entries. Awards can be given to winning entries. For example, winners           of Maryland's 1996 poster contest spent a day at the Archeology Society           of Maryland (ASM) Field Session and the runners up received tee shirts.           

The calendar of events lists the events, their time           and place, sponsor, contact person, fees, pre-registry requirement,           or age limit if the events are for children. The calendar may occur           on the back of the poster, in a brochure, or as a booklet. Coordinators           recommend a simple and easily understandable design that includes several           phone numbers to call for more information. The calendar can be sent           to libraries, museums, and schools to be displayed and distributed to           the patrons and students. 

The governor's proclamation is an effective tool for           gaining political support for archeology. It would be beneficial as           well to contact the local officials and congressional representatives.           

Each state usually adds products with their promotional           package. These include a brochure of sites to visit, a post-card of           the poster, bookmarks, a tabloid newspaper, kitchen magnets, buttons,           education pamphlets, fliers, bumper stickers, and teachers' guides.           Arizona, California, and New Mexico have bookmark contests. Kansas produces           a bookmark template that can be xeroxed. Hawaii and Minnesota produce           tee shirts. Washington creates an event kit that includes a reading           list, children's books, career information, instruction on site etiquette,           and a certificate to sponsors and presenters. 

Successful advertising methods include newspaper stories,           local and statewide press releases, radio, television, brochures, fliers,           and newsletters. The print medium is the most effective method for reaching           the most people. Radio and television are used less frequently because           organizers find the coverage too narrow. However, short public service           spots are useful for targeting audiences watching educational programming.           

The World Wide Web is now a popular medium with twenty-six           states reporting a web page (see sidebar           below). Other interesting methods mentioned in the survey: South Carolina           displays banners on state highways; Massachusetts puts posters on public           bulletin boards; Indiana distributes fliers in schools; Vermont places           advertisements in magazines; and West Virginia distributes brochures           at shopping malls. 

Direct mailings are the most effective print medium           for contacting the public. Information is mailed to politicians, libraries,           parks, museums, visitor centers, universities, historic preservation           organizations, education service centers, and schools. Schools and their           administrators are being targeted more frequently. Local and regional           organizations are including announcements of archeology week programs           in their newsletters. Arizona mails announcements in local utility bills.           This sort of direct mailing has enabled organizers to reach thousands           more people before the event. 

Most organizers stress the importance of local advertising           in order to generate grassroots excitement. Local sponsors have a critical           role in achieving this goal. Word-of-mouth advertising remains an important           factor at this level. 

Publicity is considered an important factor in improving           archeology week. Many coordinators expressed the sentiment that increasing           advertising ensures a broad public turnout. Early program advertising           will help achieve better attendance. 

**Events**

Attendance is often used to measure the success of an           event, though what the audience learns is equally important. From the           survey, events common to all states were site tours, lectures, demonstrations,           and exhibits. The most popular events are those that involve hands-on           activities. Children's events are especially appealing to parents who           are looking for activities to share with their kids. 

Site tours are the best attended events, particularly           those with excavations in progress. The public enjoys this "behind the           scenes" view. These tours provide a chance to graphically demonstrate           what is lost when a site is destroyed or looted. Some states also use           tours to emphasize the importance of reporting sites. Schools find field           trips to sites appealing, particularly if tied to lessons being taught           in the classroom. 

Lectures have varied success depending on the topic           and the target audience. They are particularly appealing to those already           interested in archeology and if the topic is of local interest. Talks           that are too technical do not hold the attention of a general audience.           Demonstrations of tool making and other types of experimental archeology           are very popular. Native Americans sponsor and participate in these           programs in many states. Events that illustrate a state's cultural heritage           are well attended. 

Exhibits are useful for presenting current information           about archeology in the state to a broad audience. Panels can be rotated           to present diverse stories, and traveling exhibits can be shared between           sponsors in remote, rural communities. Artifact identification emphasizes           the importance of reporting finds to an archeologist. Needless to say,           the promotion for such an event should be phrased so as not to encourage           looting. 

The survey indicated that more events are being designed           for school groups. Teachers are provided with study guides, traveling           trunks, children's books, and curriculum about archeological sites.           Several states also have essay contests and competition for designing           posters and bookmarks. 

Examples of other innovative events are: lectures held           during school lunch in Alabama; a 5K race with picnic and raffle in           Connecticut; re-enactments at state parks in Florida; island to island           plane tours in Hawaii; piecing together artifacts in Massachusetts;           video-taping events for public access TV in Missouri; archeology sleep-ins           at museums in Virginia; and historic train rides and canoe trips in           Washington. 

According to organizers, the more novel the event, the           more likely people will remember it--and become more involved in preserving           the past. New Mexico, for example, has sponsored a murder mystery weekend           at a historic hotel. It seems that participants listened so closely           for clues that they learned a great deal about the people who had lived           in the area (Sebastian and Cushman 1992:5). Finally, events should always           provide the audience information on how to help protect archeological           resources, how to report a find, and how to volunteer. Sponsors can           provide a brochure or flier which lists telephone numbers and "how to"           information. 

**The           Future of Archeology Weeks**
***Check                     out...***- The Events in Your State  page lists details for getting more information on state archeology weeks and months. 

Archeology weeks are extremely successful outreach programs.           They have reached hundreds of thousands of people, raised money for           archeology, and raised public awareness. However, discussion of archeology           weeks has raised many questions about possibilities and future direction.           

Coordinators in the survey identified 4 important issues           to improve archeology week. First, a paid coordinator position is needed           to adequately develop program content, raise funds, expand publicity,           and recruit volunteers. Vermont funded a temporary position for 13 months           without benefits. The position description included the ability to organize           and coordinate events, ability to work with volunteers, government agencies           and the private sector, and an interest in archeology. But like many           temporary positions, funds were not available to fill the position the           following year. The Arizona SHPO pays a staff member to coordinate their           archeology month (with help from an intern for 2 months). Wisconsin,           Iowa, South Carolina, and Texas use this approach. This trend is encouraging,           especially as more SHPO offices organize archeology week. 

Second, long-term financing must be secured to sustain           archeology week. Currently, all states rely on funds from outside the           organizing office. It was reported that donors are becoming more consistent           supporters, though Federal agencies are more likely to lack funds year           to year. Annual base funding is an ideal solution, but most organizing           offices fall short of this commitment. The Arizona SHPO uses state lottery           funds, while other SHPO offices target Historic Preservation Funds.           Some coordinators expressed the need for a national initiative to raise           sufficient funds. Perhaps a national funding project focused on private           foundations or Federal-granting agencies (e.g. National Endowment for           the Humanities) would provide matching funds to states. This issue and           others are being considered by the State Archeology Week subcommittee           of the Society for American Archaeology Public Education Committee.           

The remaining two issues are directly related to finding           solutions to staff and funds. Coordinators expressed the need to expand           publicity and offer more diverse events in order to attract a larger           audience. Many states lack the resources needed to develop advertising           products and to fully use the various media. There is a growing need           to develop new and exciting events to draw audiences. For example, the           recent surge in educational programs for schools can not be sustained           without adequate resources for creative designing and evaluation. Overall,           many states are unable to improve their programs to meet the level of           demand and expectations of their audience. 

As more states become involved, there have been proposals           for regional cooperation. This approach might enable states with limited           resources to implement a joint archeology week. It may allow for more           diversity, greater spending power, and broader interest. It also might           provide a greater number of possible themes. 

**Summary**

There are many benefits from archeology week, but chief           among them is enhancing the public's understanding of archeology and           preserving the archeological record. Archeology week can take a lead           role in this public education effort. In many states, it is the primary           outreach effort. One can't underestimate its importance in bringing           professionals, avocationals and the interested public together for a           common cause: to establish a constituency in support of archeology.           Public support is essential for continued funding of archeology nationally.           Contributors also will find working with the public personally rewarding.           As stated by Lynne Sebastian and David Cushman of New Mexico, veterans           of archeology week, "it is exciting for all those in the field to see           so many people taking time to participate in an archeology week, just           because they believe in the importance of preserving our heritage" (Sebastian           and Cushman 1992:37). At every event of every archeology celebration,           it is encouraging to realize how many members of the public do care           about archeology and are willing to put time and energy into sharing           a love for the past. 

**References           Cited**

Bellantoni, Nicholas 1997     Personal communication. 

Brooks, Robert L. 1995     *A Report on Public Outreach           in Oklahoma*. Oklahoma Archeological Survey, University of Oklahoma,           Norman. Unpublished manuscript on file. 

Callum, Kathleen E. 1995     *A Standing Ovation for "Join           Hands With the Past"*. Vermont Archaeology Week 95. 

Cruse, Brett 1997     Personal Communication 

Hoffman, Teresa L., and Shereen Lerner          1988     *Arizona Archaeology Week. Promoting           the Past to the Public*. Archeological Assistance Program Technical           Brief No. 2. U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service, Archeological           Assistance Division, Washington, DC. 

Peebles, Giovanna 1997     Personal communication. 

Sebastian, Lynne, and David W. Cushman1992     "New Mexico           Heritage Preservation Week: Friendly Advice from Those on the Front           Lines." In *State Archeological Education Programs*, edited by           William B. Butler. U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service,           Interagency Archeological Services, Denver, CO. 

Whitlam, Rob 1997     Personal communication. 

**Acknowledgments**

The authors wish to thank each state archeology week           coordinator who took time out of a busy schedule to answer questions           about their program and provide material. Hopefully, all coordinators           will benefit from the new and updated information, and we can begin           to work on the issues so important to sustaining archeology week into           the next century.

Return to: Technical           Briefs            

**why                 an archeology week?**

**organizing**

**timing                 & scheduling**

**sponsorship**

**publicity**

**types                 of events**

**the                 future**

**summary**

**references**

**print                 version  **

**technical briefs                 index**

 
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