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Industrial archaeology, like other branches of archaeology, is the study of the past, but with a focus on industry or industrial heritage. Industrial archaeology concerns itself with the physical remains of industry. It is born out of the need to record and preserve the remains of industrialisation before they disappear. The study is a multi-disciplinary one encompassing engineering, architecture, economics and social aspects of manufacturing/extractive industry as well as the transport and utilities sector. However, not all aspects of a particular industry would fall under the definition of industrial archaeology.

The term was coined in the 1950s in Birmingham by Michael Rix although its meaning and interpretation has changed with use and time. Palmer and Neaverson (Industrial Archaeology Principles and Practice, 1998) defined industrial archaeology as: “the systematic study of structures and artifacts as a means of enlarging our understanding of the industrial past.”

As an interest initially practiced largely by amateurs, it has in the past been looked down upon by professional archaeologists. However, with growing awareness of the usefulness of archaeological study of the recent past, elements of what were formerly 'industrial archaeology' have been welcomed into the broader framework of mainstream archaeology. Since the timeframe of study is relatively recent, industrial archaeology is well placed to develop on the basis of more reliable and absolute recording of its past, present and future than other areas of archaeological interest.

Those interested may make field trips to abandoned or mostly forgotten industrial sites, or may examine annual reports, engineering and building drawings and documentation, government documents and surveys, and other historical materials to try to determine and document what sorts of activities went on, and why, at a particular site, and construct a history or timeline that shows how a site developed and changed (and potentially when and why it was abandoned) over time.

One example of such a site is the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site, site of the first integrated iron works in North America. Since the site dates to the 1600s, developing a clear understanding of what was done, and how it was carried out, as well as the facility arrangement, was a painstaking and difficult process.

One of the first areas in the UK to be the subject of a systematic study of 'industrial archaeology' was the Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire, UK. This landscape developed from the seventeenth century as one of the first industrial landscapes, and by the 18th century had a range of extractive industries as well as extensive iron making, ceramic manufacturing (including porcelain and decorative tiles) and a series of early railways. The significance of the Ironbridge Gorge was recognised in 1986 with its designation as a World Heritage Site, and work by the Ironbridge Archaeology unit over recent years has revealed a great deal about both technological and social developments during the post-medieval period.

Following the pioneering lead of Ironbridge, other areas have been subject to often innovative studies. Recent work in Manchester, UK, by the university field unit have led to new approaches. Sheffield, UK, is one of the most intently studied locality of industrial archaeology in the world. Over the last decade a concerted effort by ARCUSand the University of Sheffield 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, and are offered by two universities in North America and in many countries in Europe, while the Michigan Technological University also has a doctorate program. In the UK, the University of Birmingham grants a masters degree in Industrial Heritage Management.

A typical Masters programme in Industrial History or Archaeology may draw on historical archaeology, anthropology of industry, history of technology, and historical preservation fields of study. A doctoral program in Industrial Heritage and Archeology may expand to include work in American or European civilization, architectural history, material culture, and heritage management.

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 preservation matters, or advising government units on revision or demolition of significant sites or buildings.

See also

External links

General

Societies and organisations

International Organisations
  • TICCIH, The International Committee for the Conservation of the Industrial Heritage, is the international association which represents industrial archaeology and the industrial heritage. It is ICOMOS's specialist adviser on industrial heritage. It has both individual members and associated societies, such as the SIA and AIA.

National Organisations

Local Organisations

Reference materials

Degree Programs

Further reading

  • Cossons, N. (ed.) (2000) Perspectives on Industrial Archaeology London: Science Museum
  • Daunton, M. J. (1995) Progress and Poverty Oxford: Oxford University Press
  • Deetz, J .(1977) In Small Things Forgotten New York: Doubleday
  • Gordon, R. B. Malone, P. M. (1994), The Texture of Industry, an Archaeological View of the Industrialization of North America, Oxford: OUP
  • Hamond, F. McMahon, M. (2002) Recording and Conserving Ireland's Industrial Heritage
  • Hills, R. L. (1989) Power from Steam Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
  • Kane, R. (1844) Industrial Resources of Ireland Robert Kane (chemist)
  • McCutcheon, W.A. (1984) The Industrial Archaeology of Northern Ireland Belfast
  • Newman, R. (2001) The Historical Archaeology of Britain c.1540-1900 Stroud: Sutton Publishing
  • Orser, C. E. (1996) Images of the Recent Past Walnut Creek: Sage Publications
  • Palmer, M. Neverson, P. (1998) Industrial Archaeology - Principles and Practice London: Routledge
  • Thomas, J. (ed.) (2000) Interpretive Archaeology - A Reader London: Leicester University Press
  • Watkins, G. The Textile Mill Engine Ashbourne: Landmark Publishing

Industry | Archaeological sub-disciplines

Industriearchäologie | Arqueología industrial | 産業考古学 | industriarkeologi

 

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