The Reconstructed Past: Reconstructions in the Public Interpretation of Archaeology and History - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0759103763 ISBN 13: 9780759103764

Publisher: AltaMira Press, 2003

Synopsis

To reconstruct or not to reconstruct? That is the question facing many agencies and site managers throughout the world. While reconstructed sites provide a three-dimensional pedagogic environment in which visitors can acquire a heightened sense of the past, an ethical conflict emerges when on-site reconstructions and restorations contribute to the damage or destruction of the original archaeological record. The case studies in this volume contribute to the ongoing debates between data and material authenticity and educational and interpretive value of reconstructions. Discussing diverse reconstruction sites from the Golan Region to Colonial Williamsburg, the authors present worldwide examples that have been affected by agency policies, divergent presentation philosophies, and political and economic realities.

About this title

About the Author

John H. Jameson, Jr. is a senior archaeologist with the National Park Service's Southeast Archaeological Center in Tallahassee, Florida. A recognized leader in public archaeology, he is a key player in the development of training courses for park rangers and archaeologists in the effective interpretation of archaeological resources.

Review

The Reconstructed Past is a very affordable reference, which will be of great interest to public archaeologists, historical interpreters, historic site managers, and anyone involved in reconstructions. (David J. Cooper, Grand Portage National Monument, National Park Service)

For anyone who works in the fields of archaeology, historic presentation, and public education, this book has useful lessons on the benefits and pitfalls associated with reconstructions. (Canadian Journal of Archaeology)

The Reconstructed Past is a thoughtful, varied collection of articles, and collectively, they address many of the preservation issues which must underlie all of public archaeology. (Archaeology.About.Com)

Because this book is written without jargon and tells behind-the-scenes stories about people and places, The Reconstructed Past will benefit both students and professionals. The case studies and the history of applied archeology are appropriate for university or college classrooms, particularly method and theory classes. The book's themese would also interest professionals making decisions about site interpretation. The provocative case studies illuminate the dilemma of reconstruction. (Crm: The Journal Of Heritage Stewardship)

While this entire volume is engaging, two contributions are of particular interest to those involved with industrial archaeology. Linebaugh's article on Roland Wells Robbins gives a very in-depth and fascinating view of the reconstruction of the Saugus Iron Works, including plans and excavation photos from original fieldwork. The article by Blockley is devoted to the pragmatic and ethical complexities of the reconstruction and preservation of large-scale industrial sites. (Industrial Archeology)

If you wanted to put a single volume in front of a beginning public historian or archaeologist about the perils of a singular aspect of their chosen professions, this collection of articles would be a good start. (Historic Environment)

Edition details

• Publisher: AltaMira Press
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0759103763
• ISBN 13: 9780759103764
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 320
• Editor: Jameson Jr. John H.