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LECTURE
Finlaggan: Archaeology versus History
Augustine United Church, Edinburgh
29 November
http://www.digitscotland.com/events/finlaggan-archaeology-versus-history-hybrid-event
Following the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland’s AGM, which is open to everyone, there will be a talk by Dr David Caldwell. Based on his new book The Archaeology of Finlaggan, Islay, Dr Caldwell will talk about the site as a centre of historic importance and how recent archaeological discoveries have been able to provide a deeper understanding of the documentary record. This event will be livestreamed for those who reserve online tickets. In addition, the recording will be uploaded to the Society’s YouTube channel after the event.
CONFERENCES
Theoretical Archaeology Group (TAG) Annual Meeting 2025
University of York
15-17 December
https://tag2025.hosted.york.ac.uk/en
This year’s theme for the TAG annual meeting is ‘theory in action’, a deliberately broad topic that the organisers hope will cover everything that makes this conference distinctive: fringe theory that you think needs more attention; bringing untold stories and objects to light; critical reflection on the field; giving voice to diverse communities; and presenting creative crossovers between archaeology and the arts. Tickets cost up to £130, with concession prices also available.
Current Archaeological Research in the Midlands and Abroad (CARMA) Conference 2025
Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Campus
22-23 November
https://ntsu.unioncloud.org/groups/chemistry-and-forensics-society/events/carma
This two-day conference puts the spotlight on the dynamic intersection of archaeological research conducted by Mercian Archaeological Services and by Nottingham Trent University, covering investigations across the UK, the Midlands, and Egypt. There will also be numerous other industry experts showcasing their work through presentations and posters. The event starts at 10am and finishes at 4pm both days. Please contact MeganD S@outlook.com if you have any queries or issues.
EVENT
Worcestershire Archaeology Day 2025
The Hive, Worcester
22 November
http://www.explorethepast.co.uk/events/
An annual day of eight talks celebrating and sharing recent investigations in Worcestershire, run by Explore the Past – the county’s Archive & Archaeology Service. Talks this year will include the discovery of Roman swords in Willersey and updates from Milestone Ground, and highlights from the Portable Antiquities Scheme. Tickets cost £23, with concessions for under-30s. There are also recording-only tickets available for £9. The recording will be sent out after the event and will be available indefinitely.
WORKSHOP
Archaeology Workshops
The Chester House Estate, Irchester
29 & 30 November
https://chesterhouseestate.org/whats-on/heritage-workshops
Two different workshops are available over this two-day event: Roman jewellery-making and medieval book-binding. During these two-hour introduction sessions, you will sit down with crafting specialists to discuss traditional techniques, as well as items found locally around Northamptonshire, before having a go at making your own. Everything you make, you get to take home with you. The bookbinding sessions cost £20 and the Roman jewellery-making is £25.
HERITAGE FROM HOME
VIRTUAL VISITS
• The Museum of the Lost and Found
http://www.wessexarch.co.uk/museum-lost-and-found
Explore this online museum by Wessex Archaeology, where you can interact with 20 objects hand-picked from their archives.
• Archaeology through the Lens
https://collections.yorkarchaeologicaltrust.co.uk/s/archaeology-through-the-lens/page/welcome
Enjoy this virtual exhibition from the York Archaeological Trust, which explores the essential role of the camera in archaeology.
• Pergamonmuseum
http://www.smb.museum/en/museums-institutions/pergamonmuseum/online-offers/virtual-tours
The Pergamon Museum in Berlin is expected to remain closed until 2027 but you can visit virtually with these online tours.
• UNESCO Virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Objects
Search this new online museum by UNESCO – a digital space to learn, connect with, and share the stories of stolen cultural heritage.
EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
• The Forgotten Wrecks of the First World War
https://maritimearchaeologytrust.org/projects-research/forgotten-wrecks-of-the-first-world-war
Delve into this interactive map of First World War wrecks created with the help of the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and delivered by the Maritime Archaeology Trust.
• The Diary of Samuel Pepys
Keep up with Pepys’ life as he eats, drinks, gossips, and complains his way through mid-17th-century England. Read the whole thing or check in daily to see what Pepys was getting up to on a particular date.
• Archaeology: from Dig to Lab and Beyond
http://www.futurelearn.com/courses/archaeology
This free online course from the University of Reading explores exciting discoveries in the Vale of Pewsey.
• Out & About Archaeology
https://archaeologyexplore.org/theme/2
This offering from the CBA has a range of in-person and digital guided walks, talks, and on-demand resources and activities to help you find out more about your local area or further afield.
FAMILY FUN
• Pieces of History podcast
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4xyqt0QpCzjLhrmkmjGi56
The September episode of the Pieces of History podcast, ‘Drawing the Roman Past’, explores the work of archaeologist and illustrator Dr David Neal (see CA 425).
• Bettany Hughes’ Treasures of the World
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/bettany-hughes-treasures-of-the-world
A new season of this show takes viewers on armchair travels to explore household-name treasures and new finds from across the world.
• DIY Science Camp: Archaeology
http://www.startwithabook.org/summer-science/diy-science-camp-archaeology
Provide the children in your life with their own archaeology camp at home with this website full of ideas for activities.
• Maxwell Museum of Anthropology
https://maxwellmuseum.unm.edu/education/k-12/educational-resources
This website is full of at-home activities for children: from how to weave a Native American basket to steps on how to use dendrochronology.
• Horrible Histories game
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/z7nrydm/articles/zdmgbqt
This game from Horrible Histories helps teach Viking history – choose your Norse god or goddess and complete tutorials across time periods and locations.
