Archaeology

Archaeology

What is it? 

Archaeology is a way of studying human activity in the past, mainly through analysing discovered materials and objects. It's a very broad subject that uses subjects such as the sciences, history, geography and linguistics to name a few!

What does it involve?

Practicing archaeology can come in many forms so can involve many things, but essentially the activity will include the examination and discussion of objects and materials.

Why do it and what are the benefits?

Archaeology is a great way of getting in touch with history - to examine actual artefacts from past times and understand their origins is a fantastic way of engaging students in historical studies.

What equipment do we need?

As each different archaeological activity will differ, the equipment will change with it. The provider should supply any apparatus needed, but make sure to check beforehand if you are unsure. 

Who is it suitable for?

Archaeology can be adjusted to suit all ages!

Costs?

This will depend on the nature of the archaeological activity - some things can be done for free, but some pursuits will require an expert/access to private grounds etc, and will therefore probably have costs to them.

Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)

Some archaeological activities can involve sensitive/fragile materials, so it's important that the students involved respect instructions.

How do we include?

Archaeology should be an activity all students can get involved with regardless of ability, but if you have concerns make sure to contact the venue directly.

Doing it abroad?

Archaeology can be practiced all over the world, but you may need to look closely to find a venue that can cater for your group in foreign countries.

Main website: 

Visit http://new.archaeologyuk.org for the Council of British Archaeology, and check out individual venue websites for more specific information. 

Venues with this Activity

The Story of the Roman Capital of South Scotland

Trimontium Fort was the name of the Three Hills Place - in the lee of the Eildon Hills one mile from the town of Melrose beside the village of Newstead in the Scottish Borders.

Founded in 1837 by The Orkney Natural History Society, this museum mainly portrays the maritime and natural history of the islands. It has also ethnographic and archaeological collections. An extensive refurbishment of the 1858 building reflects the character of the Victorian museum while providing modern environmental standards.

The Museums Service cares for the Council's collections, runs museums in the community, a touring exhibition programme, education and reminiscence services

West Lothian Council Museums Service has three stores, a workshop and an office at Connolly House in Blackburn. The role of the service is threefold. First we care for the Council’s collections and record them using manual and computerised systems.

The National Mining Museum Scotland is the national coal mining museum for Scotland and cares for the Lady Victoria Colliery and the national coal mining collections. The collections at the museum comprise over 60,000 items, including objects, archive material, photographs and books.

The collection includes comprehensive family archives, a collection of old photographs, audio and video tapes, and material relating to local fishing. A room is dedicated to the Iron Age village at Bostadh. 

Cradle of Christianity

The Royal Burgh of Whithorn has an important history which is immediately obvious from the medieval street layout. Even more significant is the hidden evidence of the early origins of a settlement on this site going back to the 5th century, Scotland’s first Christian community.

Stranraer's historic Old Town Hall, built in 1776, is the home of Stranraer Museum.

Step inside and discover Wigtownshire's fascinating past. See one of Scotland's oldest ploughs, look at Victorian Wigtownshire in 3-D photographs and follow in the footsteps of Stranraer's own Polar explorers.

North Ayrshire Heritage Centre shows the history of North Ayrshire with displays of archaeology, costume, transport, and popular culture. A photographic archive of the local area is available for reference.

Built in 1776, the former parish church in Saltcoats, houses our principal museum collection.

Located in the old Town House in Kirriemuir, the museum describes the social, architectural and political history of the town and the Angus glens, using touch screen technology and CD-ROMS.

Since the restoration of this fascinating building in 2008, the museum and exhibition space is housed in what were the ground floor ice house chambers used in the salmon fishing operation. There is a small Bothy area complete with bunks where fishermen would have slept. This now houses our genealogy facility.

Founded in 1871, the Falconer Museum is one of the oldest in the district. The museum houses a wealth of Moray’s heritage and features displays on local history, social history, geology and archaeology.

A local museum with material relating to the social and natural history of the town

A local museum with material relating to the social and natural history of the town and immediate district. Collections include scientific instruments which belonged to the astronomer James Ferguson and the natural history collection of Thomas Edward.

A stunning ecologically friendly building, opened in March 2007, housing a museum charting island life throughout the ages

Experience Gaelic culture at the award winning Lismore Gaelic Heritage Centre’s museum, library and historical archive.

Come visit our fascinating new exhibition about the Life and Work of the Women on Lismore throughout the ages, which opens on the 29th of March 2015.

We have a unique gift shop with local crafts & a café with beautiful panoramic views. Free WiFi.

Kilmartin Glen, in the heart of Mid Argyll, is one of Scotland’s richest prehistoric landscapes. Over 800 historic monuments, cairns, standing stones, stone circles and rock art dating back over 5000 years have been recorded within this area.

Castle House Museum, a B-listed building, displays the story of Cowal through geology, archaeology and artefacts

Castle House Museum, a B-listed building, displays the story of Cowal through geology, archaeology, Celts and clans. There are special displays of Clyde steamers and the Clyde in two World Wars. Four rooms, parlour, kitchen, study and nursery show life in Victorian times. Video area. Full disabled access.

A small showcase for the treasures of Clackmannanshire

The collection is stored in the former Liberal Club, Mar Street, Alloa, a fine building of 1904.

Museum holds material pertaining to local social, industrial and natural history along with geology and much, much more

Campbeltown Museum offers a unique insight into Campbeltown’s ancient and more modern past. With a fascinating and nationally important Archaeological Collection, the museum describes the creation of the natural landscape of Kintyre and how its first peoples came to Kintyre to farm the area’s fertile lands.

Experience the archaeology, history and natural history of the Island in the Bute Museum

Bute Museum is an independently run museum where visitors can explore the Natural and Historical Heritage of the Isle of Bute. The History & Archaeology Gallery has displays covering aspects of Bute's History from Mesolithic and Neolithic times through to the closing years of the 20th century. The Natural History Gallery allows visitors to explore the geology, plants, animals and birds

Situated within the town’s main library, the museum tells the story of Cumbernauld and surrounding area from pre-history to the Romans and on through the 19th century, to the development of the new town in the 1960s. A studies area allows for more in-depth research or browsing of photograph albums.

Admission free.

Fine Art

Recently refurbished, Summerlee interprets the social and industrial history of Central Scotland, and in particular the Monklands area

Summerlee interprets the social and industrial history of Central Scotland, and in particular the Monklands area, formerly the ‘Iron Burgh’. Displays feature historic machinery in daily operation as well as reconstructed domestic environments.

Discover Cornwall’s history and its connections to the world

'The Royal Cornwall Museum is an essential place to come to if you are fascinated by Cornwall' Kurt Jackson, artist

If you want to see an unwrapped Egyptian mummy, explorers medicine chest and a wide range of Cornish and British art then head to the Royal Cornwall Museum.

Redruth Old Cornwall Society Museum is part of Cornwall Gold and is located on New Portreath Rd, between Redruth and Portreath.

The Mining Section

The mining section contains a number of mine lamps including some carbide lamps which produce and burn acetylene (C2H2). These were used in the tin mining industry from about 1900.

The Mineral Collection

The Heritage Centre is housed in an old chapel within the Town Cemetery. This building dates from the latter half of the 19c but has recently been refurbished.

The Blake Museum Bridgwater is established:

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