Public archaeology. Archeology of everyone and for everyone
In four sites in the Community of Madrid
The approach of archeology to society has changed in Spain in recent years. The term Public Archeology, developed by McGmsey in 1977, evidenced the need to involve local communities in archaeology, opening up to new proposals on the political use of this discipline, its image and its social acceptance. The integration of local communities with heritage was valued, actively reinforcing their identity through History. Although later, this example has reached Spain thanks to the promotion of studies by professionals, including the university environment.
Social archeology
Social participation can be established in two main axes: actively, performing different tasks in excavations, surveys, laboratory work and dissemination or passively, as mere spectators at conferences, exhibitions and other events, but always seeking understanding in this participation. of archaeological science, its dissemination and, as a final goal, the conservation and valuation of archaeological heritage.
The interaction of the different work proposals for the practice of archeology has had a positive impact on social articulation, promoting conservation and dissemination measures not only inherent to local organizations, such as city councils, but also promoting cultural associations. An example is the El Ponderal cultural association in Hoyo de Manzanares, made up of volunteers motivated by research and promotion of the history of their municipality, after having actively participated in the excavation of the La Cabilda site.
Also worth highlighting, as a school example, is the “Heritage in the hands of young people” project. An example of educational practice”, in coordination with the management of the Los Abetos School, in Manzanares el Real, within its experiences with UNESCO, in which a large group of 3rd and 4th ESO students developed a theoretical and archaeological practice in different actions in its environment or the work carried out at the Marqués de Santillana High School Institute in Colmenar Viejo.
