Communicating archaeological research has greatly expanded with the advent and growth of social media platforms, citizen reporting on the internet, and public archaeology as variously conceived. Now archaeologists have the opportunity to immediately share their findings and engage with interested constituents thanks to the technological and social revolution of the internet and media. Archaeologists are no longer waiting for an outlet to discover and disseminate their work. Furthermore, it is becoming increasingly important for archaeologists to utilize communication mechanisms to invite public participation, cultivate new relationships, and empower the voices of those previously silenced in history. 

We seek presentations (papers, panels, posters, etc.) highlighting both new and old methods of communicating archaeological findings and the past to the public given these technological innovations. How can we use social media effectively? Who is our audience and who is both included and excluded when we use platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and WordPress blogs? What role should the public play in archaeology? How does the public use the internet and social media to further their own interpretations and understandings about archaeology? What communication challenges and improvements have developed due to the COVID-19 pandemic? How has the expanded use of virtual platforms impacted archaeologists in their interactions with the public during COVID-19? What challenges and prospects does Midwest historical archaeology present in the use of social media and the internet to promote archaeology within and beyond the profession?

MHAC proposes the following opportunities for participation:

  • Seven-minute papers that address the theme of communicating archaeology in a digital format or other themes related to historical archaeology in the Midwest. These will be followed by more intensive discussion with the presenters in a rotating, roundtable format.
  • Fifteen-minute papers addressing the theme or any aspect of historical archaeology in the Midwest.
  • Posters on the theme or any aspect of historical archaeology in the Midwest.
  • If none of these formats or topics appeal to you, propose an alternative that you think will engage the audience.

Submit an abstract of no more than 150 words and indicate the proposed format of your presentation by August 15, 2021. All proposals should be submitted to Stacey L. Camp at campstac@msu.edu.