S16 – Prehistoric Site and Museum Updates: Interpretation, Innovation, and Public Engagement

It has been more than 130 years since the discovery of Pithecanthropus erectus in Trinil, Ngawi, Indonesia—a landmark event that significantly influenced global prehistoric research. As the host of this UISPP Inter-Regional Meeting, Indonesia offers numerous prehistoric sites and museums, spanning from Sumatra to Papua, which highlight diverse approaches to archaeology and museum practice. This session examines the evolution of archaeological research, preservation strategies, and public engagement in prehistoric sites and museums, not only in Indonesia but globally.

In response to growing interest in broader participation, we will address universal issues confronting archaeological and site museums today.

The session will feature sub-sessions focusing on specific themes such as:

  • Site Museums and Local Communities: community involvement, participatory practices, and inclusive heritage management.
  • Site Museums and Cultural Tourism: balancing heritage preservation with sustainable tourism development.
  • Archaeology Museums and Research: integrating scientific research findings into engaging museum narratives.
  • Innovation and Challenges: including exhibition design, digital technologies, narrative construction, collection management, architectural innovations, outdoor interpretation, museum education, inter-institutional networking, and financial sustainability.

This session aims to bring together international researchers, museum professionals, curators, educators, and heritage managers to explore current practices, innovative solutions, and shared challenges in effectively communicating prehistoric heritage. Through a multidisciplinary dialogue, we hope to foster mutual learning, enhance global perspectives, and support the development of dynamic, relevant, and sustainable museum practices. We welcome diverse contributions to collectively advance our understanding and practice of prehistoric museum and site management in the contemporary context.

For inquiries and submissions, please contact:

Marlia Yuliyanti Rosyidah, Sangiran Early Man Museum, Indonesian Heritage Agency, Ministry of Culture – marlia.yuliyanti@kemdikbud.go.id

Kidong bae, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea – bkd5374@gmail.com