An archaearium is a protective structure that allows visitors to view ongoing excavations at archaeological sites, such as the famous Jamestown Archaearium in Virginia. It preserves artifacts and provides displays for visitors to learn about the site’s history. It also ensures the cultural heritage of an area is not lost or seen out of context.
An archaearium is a structure designed to protect an archaeological site while still allowing people to see it. The term is often used specifically to refer to an archaearium in Jamestown, a historic settlement in Virginia. Visitors to Jamestown can view the ongoing excavations at the site through the glass walls of the archaearium and can also learn about the excavation with a series of information panels and through guidebooks providing information.
The protection of archaeological sites is extremely important, ensuring that sites, once discovered, are not exposed to the elements. The conditions that preserve materials at archaeological sites are easily disturbed, especially by things like humid weather and heat waves, so archaeologists usually work under tents and other structures to make sure they don’t damage the objects they’re trying to learn about.
For visitors to archaeological sites, such covers can be very disappointing, as they hide the excavation site from the public eye and typically only authorized personnel are allowed inside. An archaearium solves the visibility problem while ensuring the integrity of the site is maintained, with glass walls for people to look through and a protective roof that keeps out the elements and often provides shade as well.
As well as allowing people to view the excavations in progress, an archaearium can also allow for the in situ conservation of artifacts, creating displays that people can visit to learn more about the site. The artefacts on display can be easily cataloged and studied, with visitors using guides, information panels and brochures to learn more about the objects and the site. The goal of an archaearium is to connect visitors with history by allowing them to experience objects in context, right at the site where they are.
The Jamestown Archaearium is quite famous, thanks to the fact that a large amount of money has been invested in the creation of the structure, which includes interactive exhibits, a variety of preserved artifacts and guided activities designed to stimulate discussion about the Jamestown settlement . Other archaeological sites will no doubt follow suit, as there are numerous benefits to using an archaearium for conservation and display, especially in regions where governments are concerned about the export of cultural artifacts. By keeping things in situ, an archaearium ensures that the cultural heritage of an area is not broken down and seen out of context.
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