Unlocking the Potential of Archaeological Archives: a mini manifesto

Whose responsibility is it to enable as many people as possible to access thousands of archaeological archives deposited in museums and other institutions? How do we as museum archaeologists both create and break down barriers to access, and who is interested in archives once they are dug up anyway?
Understanding how our multiple audiences want to consume the product of fieldwork is clearly a key consideration, but what does the menu of opportunities we need to provide look like? Are we guilty of rehashing the same old ingredients and what can we do to democratise engagement?
This paper draws upon a chapter produced by the speaker for a new Oxford Handbook of Museum Archaeology to suggest a series of actions all museum archaeologists might consider taking to unlock the potential of archaeological archives in their care.
Gail Boyle is Senior Curator of Archaeology and World Cultures (Bristol Museums) and has been a successful museum archaeologist for over 35 years: she is a Fellow of the Museums Association and Society of Antiquaries and a member of the Treasure Valuation Committee.
Gail sits on several UK heritage and museum-related bodies, is a former Chair of SMA and now Digital Officer. She has co-authored, edited and contributed to several SMA publications including the new ‘Standards and Guidance in the Care of Archaeological Collections’ (2020) and ‘Communicating Archaeology’ (2021)