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Apologies for cross posting _____ In 2009 the Ironbridge Gorge Museum is celebrating the 300th anniversary of coke-smelting of iron, as well as 50 years since the establishment of the Museum of Ironfounding. This is the subject of our 'Footprints of Industry' conference, details of which have recently been circulated. 2009 also marks the (approximate) 30th anniversary of the first archaeology projects at Ironbridge... and the beginnings of what is now 'Ironbridge Archaeology'. Since those early MSC days the archaeology team has passed through a number of phases of development - some well thought-through, some less so, some quite arbitrary and mad, and many making quite useful advances in industrial, post-medieval, historical and contemporary archaeological theory and practice. Many people have passed through the Ironbridge Archaeology unit during this time, some have turned into alcoholic wrecks and others have become glittering stars in the firmament of historical archaeology. Some of course are both. Others are now heads of academic departments, TV stars and leading 'heritage bureaucrats' (to use a phrase coined by one well-known Ironbridge alumnus, Kate Clark). Many more continue to toil away in archaeology units, museums and universities around the world. We would like to use this opportunity to celebrate the contribution that Ironbridge has made to the development of historical archaeology in the UK. Consequently, on Friday 5th June 2009, there will be an 'Ironbridge Archaeology Anniversary Party'. This will take place at Coalbrookdale, and is expected to be a grand reunion of Ironbridge archaeologists from the last 30+ years. Although this forms part of the conference, non-conference goers are of course also extremely welcome. The cost of the party will be £15. There will be a live band, dancing, a hog roast.. and, of course, a bar. Please get in touch if you want to come along! Alternatively if you want to come to the conference as well, then please look at the website http://www.ironbridge.org.uk/plan_your_visit/events_calendar/event.asp?id=363 ...and download a booking form http://www.ironbridge.org.uk/uploadedfiles/Fe09%20Booking%20Form.pdf Look forward to seeing you there! Paul Paul Belford BSc MA FSA MIfA Head of Archaeology and Monuments Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust [log in to unmask] -------------------------- contemp-hist-arch is a list for news and events in contemporary and historical archaeology, and for announcements relating to the CHAT conference group. ------- For email subscription options see: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/archives/contemp-hist-arch.html ------- Visit the CHAT website for more information and for future meeting dates: http://www.contemp-hist-arch.ac.uk --------------------------