Carenza Lewis shortlisted for Marsh Archaeology Award 2009

The McDonald Institute is delighted to announce that Dr Carenza Lewis, McDonald Fellow and Director of Access Cambridge Archaeology (ACA) is on the short list for this year’s Marsh Archaeology Award. The Award recognises and promotes high quality and engaging education work carried out in the UK with people under the age of 18.

ACA is a widening participation program at the Department of Archaeology at the University of Cambridge. The aim is to raise interest and awareness in young people of the opportunities open to them in higher education, and allow them to develop the skills, confidence and inspiration they will need in order to succeed. Recent ACA initiatives include community excavation; test-pit digging for autistic adults and an ‘advanced’ HEFA course involving a four-day residential programme of landscape archaeology and excavation.

Dr Mike Heyworth MBE, Director of the CBA, explained the significance of the work carried out by the short-listed candidates:

‘For archaeology to be cared for and understood by future generations, it is essential that we pass on our knowledge and enthusiasm to young people. These six remarkable individuals do just that, conveying a passion for our cultural heritage which will stay with young people throughout their lives. Without their work, and the many others who take the time to educate, enthuse and guide young people to an understanding of the historic environment all around us, archaeology would face an uncertain future.’

Brian Marsh OBE, chairman of the Marsh Christian Trust which sponsors the award, has the difficult job of deciding on the winner later this year.

For info on Access Cambridge Archaeology.

For further details on the Marsh Archaeology Award 2009 please see the full press release.

For more information on the work of the Marsh Christian Trust.