Facing the Future, Touching the Past: an Exploration of Visitor Responses to Wetland Archaeological Sites

Abstract This article presents the results of a Masters' dissertation exploring the ways in which prehistoric wetland sites have been communicated to the public. Three sites from Britain and Ireland are considered in depth. The responses of visitors are investigated and used to assess the perceived effectiveness of the displays at the sites selected, whilst the aims of the study are set within the context of the changing role of museums and of archaeology in a post-modern world. Observations and impressions gained from visiting the sites are analysed and used to complement the results of a visitor survey. The results are assessed in terms of the extent to which visitors felt able to engage intellectually and emotionally with various features on site. The common themes to have emerged at the three locations are summarised, and the results discussed within the wider context of how archaeological sites are presented. Attention is given to theoretical concepts relating to the communication of archaeology, and conclusions are drawn about the effectiveness of wetland archaeological presentations and their importance for the future.