Although we as archeologists seek to include the community within our project many times there are limitations that can arise that can possibly hurt the project instead of helping it as a whole. In Baram’s case study has discuses the limitations of involving the community in public archeology projects that he has encountered through his own experiences . Many of those limitations are real world problems such as economic growth, housing and development plans as well as politics”so the archaeological concerns for preservation are decentered but not removed”(Baram , 2011) . In the search for Angola archeologist faced many setbacks from the community. It is unfortunately but many times community leaders must choose between the preservation of archeological record and the needs of the people with in their communities “calls for investment in social capital, a library, and other facilities to enrich the neighborhood “(Baram , 2011 ). There where many instances when city leaders sought to “rejuvenate the blighted Old Manatee neighborhood” but not many of them took off leaving only vacant lots and bulldozed houses in place .”politics were not focused on archaeology but on the neighborhood of houses, many historic, …of its archaeological record at stake”(Baram , 2011)Some of the lessons that can be taken from Baram’s experience to be aware of economic ,social and political climate of the community where you wish to conduct research , be aware that the climate can change radical one way or another and be prepared for worst possible out come. An example of the problems we have faced in getting our class up and running would be the politics of hillcrest and their miss management of burials . Other limitations that we may come across in our project are a sudden disinterest from both the community and the university .If either one of them loose interest our project might be shut down to clear the way for other things.
Gonzalez-Tennant like many others has through his research and the use of electronic devices reached everyone who wishes to know about his research its is accessible to anyone who can get to a computer. If one can not understand his research paper there are other methods such as digital story telling. “concerns that virtual memorials and museums can address in a variety of ways””(González-Tennant , 2013).The African-American cemetery of Rosewood offers many lessons about the history of the people who lived there and its effects on their dependents. The presence of a African -American cemetery gives the sense that people where considered unequal even in death due to the their skin color. Many of the stories that surround Rosewood are filled with accountings of the hardships that the people of the African American community faced in the wake of the Rosewood race riots some of those who are buried in the cemetary at victims of the riot including James Carrier who “was lynched near the fresh graves of his brother and mother” (González-Tennant , 2013) .The decedents of those who managed to flee still feel the pain and hear first account stories of what went on during this time.
While our projects is not exactly the same as the Rosewoods we can still incorporate ideas from their project including using visual media to connect with the community. I think by incorporating it to our blog we will be able to reach even more people in our community to hopeful share the importance of the pauper cemetery.
Baram, U. (2011). Community Organizing in Public Archaeology: Coalitions for the Preservation of a Hidden History in Florida. Present Pasts, 3(1). Retrieved from https://www.presentpasts.info/articles/10.5334/pp.40/#
González-Tennant, Edward (2013) New Heritage and Dark Tourism: A Mixed Methods Approach to Social Justice in Rosewood, Florida. Heritage & Society 6(1):62-88. http://gonzaleztennant.net/pubs/Gonzalez-Tennant-New_Heritage_Dark_Tourism_%20(2013).pdf
