Join Dr Josh Emmitt, Curator Archaeology here at Auckland Museum, for a special talk during New Zealand Archaeology Week.
TUE 5 MAY, 6PM - 7.30PM
PAY WHAT YOU CAN, BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL
ORENTATION SPACE, GROUND FLOOR
What is it like to be an archaeologist in a museum? When people think of archaeologists, they often imagine excavations in remote places. In a museum, however, we work with the other side of that process. Once excavations are completed, finds sorted, and papers published, many objects eventually arrive here, where they must be catalogued, conserved, and cared for as part of the permanent collection.
Instead of the ground, museum archaeologists dig deep into archival records and explore new methods to uncover further insights about the objects a museum holds. Past records don’t always meet today's standards, which means a large part of an archaeology curator's day involves revisiting earlier documentation, updating records, and reassessing past interpretations and (politely) challenging misconceptions in light of new evidence and current practices.
Alongside this, museum archaeologists undertake research on the collections in our care, contribute to the work of archaeological societies, advocate for improvements in professional practice, and respond to questions from the public about artefacts and archaeology more broadly.
In this talk Josh will discuss his work as an archaeology curator, address some common misconceptions and conspiracies about the past, and reflect on how archaeological practice within the Museum continues to evolve.
Dr Josh Emmitt is Curator Archaeology at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Tāmaki Paenga Hira. He has a PhD from the University of Auckland in Anthropology, with a background in archaeology and ancient history.
Over his career Josh has been part of fieldwork and research in Egypt, Italy, Australia, and Aotearoa, and has an interest in the application of new technologies to old data and questions.
For this event we’re inviting you to set the price for your ticket yourself and pay what you can to participate. You can enter any amount and book up to four tickets at this amount.
Any contribution will enable the development and preservation of collections, the delivery of new exhibitions, important research, and exciting educational programmes. It will also ensure the continued restoration of the historic Museum building, a touchstone for remembrance and home to sacred taonga.
Thank you for supporting Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum.
Twilight Tuesday
Take in the relaxed atmosphere as the whole Museum is open for you to wander, every Tuesday evening until 8.30PM. Grab a drink and a bite at Tuitui Museum Bistro & Café, check out our special exhibition and wander the galleries.
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