Dear Fellow HistArchers and Education Friends:
I propose the following abstract for inclusion in the SHA2001 program,
to be held in Long Beach, California. (It is embedded in the end of this
message, rather than attached as a file, to facilitate transmittal.) I
seek contributors with experience in Public Education and a concern for
the quality of such programs.

I am seeking papers on standards and guidelines in public outreach as
well as examples of programs that you think serve as benchmarks in the
field, embody qualities that ought to be widely adopted in public
programming. Please note that the deadline for contributions fast
approaches. Prompt responses will be greatly appreciated.

Organized Session: Evaluating Public Programs in Archaeology
Session Abstract
Federal, state, and even local governments in the USA have issued
standards and guidelines for archaeological investigations in their
respective jurisdictions. Standards and guidelines for public outreach
programs, including those required in connection with mandated
archaeological studies, seem to be wholly lacking. Who is qualified to
convey archaeological findings to public audiences? What constitutes an
appropriate, acceptable product prepared for public audiences, and by
what means should these products be evaluated ? Contributors to this
session explore the goals of public programming, consider some of the
criteria by which these programs might be evaluated, and comment on the
wisdom of establishing guidelines and standards for public
interpretation. Some contributors will offer examples of programs that
embody the best of public outreach programs.

James G. Gibb
2554 Carrollton Road
Annapolis, MD  21403
410.263.1102
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