Archeology can only survive and thrive if the public continues to feel curiosity, interest, and even affection for it. For me, public outreach and engagement are therefore not an optional extra, but a core part of what archeology is and how it remains relevant in the present.
I have specialized in public outreach projects, with a strong focus on communication through social media and publications written for the public. While my academic background lies in the archeology of later prehistory, my museum and PR work has allowed me to engage with a much broader range of themes and audiences.
One of the most rewarding examples of this was my work on Doggerland — the submerged prehistoric landscape beneath the North Sea. For this project, I developed an exhibition and contributed to two accompanying books (one of them even won a prize), helping to translate complex research into accessible and engaging narratives. As part of the same initiative, I was also responsible for developing a dedicated social media presence for the duration of the project: Project Doggerland. This initiative explored how digital storytelling can bring lost landscapes and prehistoric worlds back into public imagination, reaching audiences far beyond the museum space. As well as providing a platform for the community of citizen scientists collecting finds on the Dutch beaches to share their finds.
Since then, I have continued to work on strengthening connections between professional archeology and wider communities. This includes stakeholder research focused on improving collaboration between beachcombers, metal detectorists, and academic researchers — exploring how shared interests in finds can be transformed into meaningful cooperation in the study and preservation of heritage.
Alongside archeological communication and outreach projects, I have also supported a range of cultural organizations and commercial companies with branding, website development, and the design and implementation of social media campaigns. In all of this work, my aim remains the same: to translate ideas, research, and identity into clear, engaging, and visually compelling communication, drawing on both strategic communication skills and a background in graphic design.
This autumn, I will continue this work as part of the Lithic AI Project, which recently received funding. Next year, I will also be working on the outreach for Lisette Kootker’s VIDI project. I am always open to new collaborations in this field, so do feel free to get in touch via Sasja@vanderVaart-Verschoof.com.