Introduction to Module

Archeology outreach encompasses a range of opportunities for the public's enjoyment, education, and personal reflection. Activities include excavations, communications, workshops, exhibits, websites, publications and handouts, ranger talks, volunteer programs, classroom visits, and more. Such programs engage the public with archeology and the important information it provides about the nation's past.

Archeology is the study of past peoples through their material remains. Archeological resources include sites, collections, and documentation associated with excavation and curation activities. Nearly every park unit of the NPS contains archeological resources, be they evidence of the first people to set foot on the continent, ancient and modern Native Americans, diasporic or immigrant peoples from around the world, or even activities in the first half of the 20th century. All of these resources hold relevance and significance to people living today.

Outreach enables archeologists to fulfill their responsibilities as stewards of the nation's archeological heritage. Based in federal law, the stewardship of America's archeological heritage is a well-established policy and function of the U.S. government. The tools and information included in this guide aim to improve archeologists' ability to fulfill their stewardship responsibilities.