There are right ways to get youngsters involved, and there are wrong ways. Now, I've got a lot of time and respect for the Museum of London archaeology services, but something about an event this week jars with me. See: http://t.co/lVG5WuXfEY
An archaeological event for the under-7's sounds like good news - 'get 'em early enough and you've got 'em for life' as the saying goes. But what exactly are we getting? Kids who think scraping with a trowel or digging will uncover riches? Is this just educating the next generation of treasure hunters, or should MOLA be doing more to 'educate' the kids about history?
Or do I worry too much?
Getting 'em young...
Re: Getting 'em young...
It's reminiscent of PAS's metal detecting game for schoolkids. No, you don't worry too much. Morti the mouse is involved in this and he's named after Mortimer Wheeler no doubt. I know what he'd have said - but times have changed, we have Time Team gone, Britain's Secret Treasures returning and Gary Brun about to arrive on ITV, revisiting hoard sites in pursuit of treasure....
Re: Getting 'em young...
Just realised, that subject is verboten here. Sorry!