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The term 'industrial archaeology' was coined in the 1950s in Birmingham, England by Michael Rix (academic) although its meaning and interpretation has changed. Its development as a separate subject was further stimulated by the campaign to save the Euston Arch . Palmer and Neaverson (''Industrial Archaeology Principles and Practice'', 1998) defined it as: “the systematic study of structures and artefacts as a means of enlarging our understanding of the industrial past.” Initially practiced largely by amateurs, it was at first looked down upon by professional archaeologists. However, it has now been welcomed into mainstream archaeology. Since the timeframe of study is usually relatively recent, industrial archaeology is often (but not always) able to achieve a more reliable and absolute recording of past behaviour than is possible for the more remote past. Like other branches of archaeology, industrial archaeology involves painstaking analysis of physical remains, albeit with a strong emphasis on industrial processes. For instance, in studying a medieval lead smelting site, one would want to identify the transport links which brought in the raw lead ore; the place where lead ore was crushed or processed before smelting; the processes and materials used to smelt it; and the places where lead was stored or further processed. An example of an industrial archaeology site is the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site , site of the first integrated iron works in North America which dates to the 1600s. One of the first areas in the UK to be the subject of a systematic study of 'industrial archaeology' was the period. Following the pioneering lead of Ironbridge , other areas have been subject to often innovative studies. Recent work in has led to Sheffield's 18th and 19th century history as a Steel producer being revealed. This has been enabled by a massive series of redevelopments allowing access to the archaeology. TOPICS IN INDUSTRIAL ARCHAEOLOGY See List Of Industrial Archaeology Topics INTERNATIONAL CHARTERS The Nizhny Tagil Charter was adopted by TICCIH at its XII Congress in Russia in 2003, and is the international standard for the study, documentation, conservation and interpretation of the industrial heritage. ACADEMIC PROGRAMS Many university Archaeology departments include the industrial period in their degree courses. Dedicated industrial archaeology and industrial heritage courses are usually at post-graduate level. ORGANIZATIONS There are national industrial archaeology societies in many countries: the Society For Industrial Archaeology (SIA) in North America, the Association For Industrial Archaeology (AIA) in Great Britain, CILAC in France, and the Italian AIPAI are among the largest. They bring together people interested in researching, recording, preserving and presenting industrial heritage. Industrial architecture, mineral extraction, heritage-based tourism, power technology, adaptive re-use of industrial buildings and transport history are just some of the themes that could be investigated by society members. They may also be involved in advising on historic conservation matters, or advising government units on revision or demolition of significant sites or buildings. SEE ALSO
EXTERNAL LINKS General Societies and organisations International Organisations
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