1/15 Thank you @SocMusArch! The @MuseumLiverpool archaeology team deliver lots of engagement spreading the #joyofarchaeology through exhibits, @YAC_CBA, community fieldwork, online resources, student placements, and popup events in community venues. #SMACon2020

2/15 It’s important to self-reflect, evaluate & record activity. I’ve learned from this. The @MuseumLiverpool team record our community archaeology activity, capturing quantitative data & reflecting on activity. This is priceless when developing new projects. #SMACon2020

3/15 Edison’s notion that ‘there is no failure only feedback’ chimes with our aim to learn & increase our impact. Asking participants about their experience is so worthwhile. Just noting informal/anecdotal comments can be really useful in the future. #SMACon2020

4/15 We must run pretty good projects at @MuseumLiverpool as most feedback is v. good!, “I so enjoyed being a volunteer – thanks!” – #Galkoff’s & #PembrokePlace project volunteer, 2017. But this doesn’t highlight gaps in outreach or help innovation in new projects. #SMACon2020

5/15 Feedback tells us lots of things. It often demonstrates what people’s expectations were: “It has broadened my mind and kept me intellectually challenged in a way I never thought it would” – Rainford’s Roots excavation and post ex volunteer, 2013. #SMACon2020

6/15 There can be joy in experiences you don’t expect. @NML_Muse’s mission is: ‘creating memorable experiences, for everyone, challenging expectations’. Positively challenging what’s expected can reveal the realities of archaeology that isn’t seen in the media. #SMACon2020

7/15 Sometimes it’s not the methods but the subject matter which surprises people: “I never thought that I would be so thrilled to research brothels!” – #Galkoff’s and the Secret Life of #PembrokePlace project volunteer, 2017. The past isn’t nice and sanitised! #SMACon2020

8/15 Some volunteers love finding out about more challenging aspects of our past, but working with diverse groups people will have different boundaries, and understanding individuals enables people to feel comfortable in their role, & to have worthwhile experiences. #SMACon2020

9/15 The drive for many volunteers is wanting to explore their local roots, having their own memories to share: “The whole idea is tremendous. Great part of it will be used again for the community. So many fond memories” – comment on @ListerStepsTOL Open Day 2019. #SMACon2020

10/15 There is joy in your stories being heard. During the #Galkoff’s and #PembrokePlace project dozens of people contacted the @MuseumLiverpool to share memories of the street and the Jewish community. @Sophieherx captured stories live in ink. #SMACon2020

11/15 For many participants individual contact has a real impact: “my work was valued throughout; my regular correspondence with Victoria was really encouraging and highlighted areas she thought worth investigating in more detail” - #PembrokePlace volunteer, 2017. #SMACon2020