The theme of this year’s conference will be “Engaged Archaeologies,” which will explore the diverse ways archaeologists can work with their many public constituencies effectively. Historical archaeologists work on sites that have direct implications for preservation and development in local communities, for identity and history of descendant populations, and for legal and popular constructions of national narratives. Historical archaeologists engage with a variety of constituencies when they conduct their research, and this dynamic is a critical concern in disciplinary practice. Finding ways to balance research goals, student training, and the concerns of these various stakeholders will be the focus of our conversations.

There is no registration fee for this year’s conference, and attendees will receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner as part of their registration. The first 60 registrants will receive a free copy of Paul Shackel's and Barbara Little's  Archaeology as a Tool of Civic Engagement (2007, Alta Mira Press) prior to the conference to prepare for our afternoon open discussion after Dr. Shackel’s keynote address. Student attendees will have the option of presenting their research as posters during our lunch break on Saturday (pre-registration required).