Archaeology Centenary Success

Year of events exploring human existence through hands-on disciplines culminates in look to the future from alumni practitioners

A year of celebrating the past, present, and future of archaeology and conservation at Cardiff has ended with an inspiring look at the future of the disciplines with alumni leading in the heritage, museum and conservation sectors.

Showcasing a century of research, current teaching practice, trailblazing public engagement and impact in the wider world, the year of 2020 events reached across borders and continents.

Centenary activities ran across the year, with research seminars given in-person and online by alumni, a week-long online festival including an Alumni Photo Exhibit, themed days for Conservation and Outreach, experimental archaeology DIY videos, and illustration exhibit, culminating with a series of blogs written by Archaeology and Conservation staff and alumni. Innovative Back Garden Digs saw the public find their own archaeology in the CAER Big Dig as part of the CAER Heritage Project in a Covid19 safe alternative to the traditional summer dig season.

The Future of Archaeology event was the crowning jewel, with alumni practitioners sharing their unique perspectives at the Future of the Past. Heading the sessions were Dr Kathryn Roberts (Cadw), Professor Carl Heron (British Museum), Professor Robin Skeates (Durham University), Ms Siobhan Stevenson (Legacy Conservation) and Duncan Brown (Historic England). Watch the final #CUArch100 event.

The series marked the establishment of Archaeology at Cardiff University as part of a long-flourishing partnership with the Amgueddfa Cymru National Museum Wales. Links began in August 1920 when Mortimer Wheeler took up the new joint post of Lecturer in Archaeology and Keeper of Archaeology. This started an evolving collaboration which has transformed knowledge of the past, created internationally renowned teaching, excavation and research and sent Cardiff graduates across the globe.