A New Approach to Community Archaeology in the Israel Antiquities Authority: A View from the Northern Region

The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) is in charge of the country’s antiquities and antiquity sites and their excavation, preservation, study and publication, as well as bringing the community closer to the long and rich legacy of the Land of Israel. This chapter focuses on some of the new projects in the northern region of Israel that have taken place over the past few years, since the IAA developed and enhanced its educational and community commitments. The activities are targeted at the entire population and are intended to initiate widespread exposure to archaeology. Activities take place all over Israel, designed for all ages as well as for all sectors and religions. The entire community is invited to take part in archaeological excavations and in a variety of educational initiatives. At the same time, the public is invited to see the backstage of the excavations, to see discoveries revealed to them as soon as they are found, and to access the findings through displays located near local sites and communities. The main purpose of these projects is to set the scene for community exposure to archaeology and create a meaningful, valuable and exciting experience that will eventually allow the public to become acquainted with the legacy and involved in preserving archaeological finds and ancient sites.