Smart planning and innovative public outreach: The quintessential mix for the future of archaeology

Abstract

Internationally, historical archaeological resources are managed in a variety of ways to produce varying results for and with the public. To ensure the survival of our finite global historical archaeological resource, we must begin to examine how historical archaeology is managed on a global level-by comparing, contrasting, observing, and questioning the different management practices for historical archaeological research. The management of historical archaeological resources can influence and shape the public's perception of historical archaeology and its perceived community "value." The comparative analysis of two international case studies-the Quadrant Site in Sydney, Australia, and the Freedmen's Cemetery in Alexandria, Virginia, USA, provides an insight into New South Wales (NSW) legislative-based management of historical archaeological resources in comparison to Alexandria's community-led archaeology programs. Through the close comparison of the strengths and weaknesses of each case study, we can gain a valuable insight into how historical archaeological resources can be managed to achieve valuable archaeological and community outcomes.