A novel approach to archaeology – engaging new audiences

Time machines, conspiracies and Roman robberies.  It’s just another day in the Warwickshire Historic Environment Record!

Over the last couple of years the Warwickshire Historic Environment Record has attempted to engage with new audiences and increase public awareness of the type and range of resources held.  With the support of external funding sources, the HER has designed and run a variety of events and activities to achieve this.  There have been a number of successes most notably the publication of two archaeological comics and a documentary research training guide.

The Archaeological Comics

To date, two archaeological comics have been produced.  The first one created was based on the Romans in South Warwickshire and funded by the English Heritage Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund.  The second comic was based on Warwickshire’s involvement in the Gunpowder Plot and published with support from MLA West Midlands. 

Both comics used HER resources to shape the storyline and gave staff the opportunity to fit archaeology into the National Curriculum (Key Stage 2).  Perhaps more importantly, the unusual method of using the HER resources meant that schools were interested in being involved with the projects.  The graphic format meant that teaching staff found it easy to incorporate the comics into their lessons (e.g. creative writing, art and design and history).

Both comics have proved popular not just with children but also with previously uninterested adults.  Their visual nature also means that the HER now has a collection of images which can be used in the future on other projects, such as museum exhibitions and displays.

The Local Studies Toolkit

The Local Studies Toolkit was created to provide guidance and advice to people undertaking research into the history and heritage of their local area for the first time.  The toolkit offers expert hints and tips about how to conduct successful research and who to turn to for additional support.  Illustrations have been included to help make some of the more complicated resources easier to understand.

The toolkit has been one of the HER’s most successful publications and has generated interest from the local media and public.  Hard copies (kindly printed by Tarmac) have been distributed to all Warwickshire Libraries.  A digital version is available to view via the online HER (htpp://timetrail.co.uk)

Lessons learnt

When faced with the task of engaging new audiences it is important to try and think innovatively.  Many non HER users are unaware that HERs exist or how they could be of interest to them.  Equally, new users often need support and inspiration when faced with databases of information and rows of reports on shelves.  The comics and Local Studies Toolkit have introduced the HER resources to the public in a creative way and ignited peoples’ interest in their local heritage.

For further information about the Warwickshire HER’s outreach projects please contact Christina Evans, 01926 418023 or via email christinaevans@warwickshire.gov.uk

To view the comics, Warwickshire Local Studies Toolkit or learn more about the archaeology of Warwickshire please visit the online HER (http://timetrail.warwickshire.gov.uk/ ).

Christina Evans, Warwickshire County Council Museum Field Services, August 2008

Illustration: Front cover of the Gunpowder Plot comic by Marvin Harding