Abstract
At the height of the Second World War the Institute of Archaeology hosted a conference in London to map out the post-war future for archaeology. Over a bank-holiday weekend in August 1943 several hundred archaeologists – amateurs, professionals, academics, civil servants and refugees – debated the future of archaeology. The discussion ranged across fields as diverse as the British Schools of Archaeology abroad, Islamic urban archaeology, licences for excavators, and the need for a national card-index of archaeological sites. Two themes loomed over the event: the question of state funding and control of archaeology caused considerable controversy; whereas the need for greater public engagement and education in archaeology enjoyed near-universal approval. Today the proceedings of the conference are a rich, illuminating and often amusing snapshot of British archaeology at a pivotal moment in its development.
Highlights
The conference brought together more than 280 archaeologists including many serving in the military, a number of foreign refugee scholars, and representatives of universities, museums and learned societies. The proceedings of this conference, published as the Institute’s Occasional Paper No 5 (CFA, 1943; Fig. 2), provide an extraordinary record of a historic event, serving as a testament to the sense of excitement and possibility that archaeologists and others felt in contemplating the post-war world, as well as to the sense of collective purpose and social responsibility that they felt for themselves and their discipline
Aims of the conference The foreword of the conference proceedings states that: ‘The Conference on the Future of Archaeology was held in order to provide an opportunity for the discussion of a number of problems connected with post-war archaeology.’ (CFA, 1943: 4)
Archaeology and the state Throughout the conference there was one issue that permeated most of the sessions and many of the papers and discussions: the role of the state in funding and controlling archaeology
Summary
The proceedings of this conference, published as the Institute’s Occasional Paper No 5 (CFA, 1943; Fig. 2), provide an extraordinary record of a historic event, serving as a testament to the sense of excitement and possibility that archaeologists and others felt in contemplating the post-war world, as well as to the sense of collective purpose and social responsibility that they felt for themselves and their discipline. Miriam Davis, the idea for the conference was Kenyon’s, based on both her interest in post-war reconstruction andher concern for the future of the Institute of Archaeology.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
