Sunday, August 19, 2012

Past Preservers: Official Media Promoter of The Seventh World Archaeological Congres

For Immediate Release

LONDON & CAIRO, —19th August 2012
Past Preservers is proud to announce that it is the official media promoter of  The Seventh World Archaeological Congress (WAC-7) to be held from January 14th-18th 2013 in Jordan.

WAC is an international forum for discussion for anyone who is concerned with the study of the past. WAC holds an international Congress every four years to promote: the exchange of results from archaeological research; professional training and public education for disadvantaged nations, groups and communities; the empowerment and support of Indigenous groups and First Nations peoples; and the conservation of archaeological sites.  By providing support for 200-300 people from low income countries, students and Indigenous groups, WAC Congresses create a unique opportunity for the sharing of knowledge from around the world. Each Congress is a unique event that is embedded in the culture of the host country.

‘WAC appreciates the support that Past Preservers is giving to WAC-7” said Professor Claire Smith, President of WAC. “We expect participation from people from around 75 countries, bringing with them a kaleidoscopic of knowledge from all parts of the globe. I know of no other conference with such an exciting environment in which to learn from each other.”

Nigel Hetherington, CEO and Founder of Past Preservers, says “We are honoured to be part of such a great event, I visited WAC-5 in Washington DC in 2003, while studying to be an archaeologist and it left a lasting impression on me, events like these really do enrich the landscape of archaeology.”

The palatial King Hussein Convention Center at the Dead Sea will be the main venue for WAC-7. The Dead Sea is the lowest and saltiest location on earth, and offers visitors health tourism and relaxation combined with history. Jordan is currently celebrating 200 years since the rediscovery of the World Heritage site of Petra. WAC-7’s brilliant scientific program will be complemented by an opportunity to experience the Kingdom of Jordan’s rich cultural life as well as its outstanding archaeological heritage.  This cultural heritage includes four sites on the World Heritage list, and another fifteen nominations. The Local Organizer of WAC-7 is Cultural Technologies for Heritage and Conservation (CulTech), a Jordanian NGO that deals with the protection of cultural heritage especially in Petra. Several Jordanian Institutions including foreign archaeological missions are represented on the National Organization Committee.

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Notes for Editors

About The World Archaeological Congress: The World Archaeological Congress (WAC) is the only representative, fully international organization of practicing archaeologists. Founded in 1986, WAC encourages open dialogue among all people concerned about the past, including scholars from under-represented parts of the world, First Nations people, and descendent communities whose pasts are told by archaeologists.

One of WAC's primary functions is to hold an international congress every four to five years to offer discussion of new archaeological research as well as archaeological policy, practice and politics. Previous congresses were held in the United States, South Africa, India, Venezuela, Ireland and England. The Patrons of these Congresses include Nelson Mandela, winner of the Noble Peace Prize along with FW de Klerk;  Charles, the Prince of WalesMary McAleese, the President of Ireland 1997-2011 and Harriet Fulbright. WAC-7 is held under the Patronage by King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein of Jordan.

About Past Preservers: Past Preservers is the creative hub between the heritage and media worlds. Founded by archaeologist Nigel J. Hetherington in 2005, Past Preservers provides professional support to the heritage and media industries. Our projects include work for major networks, such as the History Channel, the Discovery Channel, National Geographic Channel, and Al-Jazeera International.

Contact:
Nigel J. Hetherington MA
CEO and Founder
Past Preservers

Contact details for WAC
Claire Smith, President
Talal Akasheh, Academic Secretary WAC-7