This project investigates citizen storytelling as an archaeological method: how narrative construction can surface contemporary perspectives on the past while prompting professional reflexivity about interpretation and narrativization. Building on the existing community infrastructure of DIME (Digital Metal Detecting), the project expanded the possibilities of public participation beyond data contribution by inviting citizens to become co-creators of archaeological narratives. Participants produced stories multimodally (text, audio, video and visual elements), which had to be linked to objects they had found themselves. The narratives are planned to be curated and disseminated as an open-access digital exhibition on the DIME website. Recruitment initially relied on open calls within metal detecting communities but generated limited engagement, necessitating a shift to more direct, personal outreach and facilitation. This challenge suggests persistent societal boundaries around who is perceived as authorized to narrate the past and indicates that citizen involvement in archaeological storytelling remains strongly dependent on professional encouragement and enabling structures.

First Author: Sebastian Gerberg Høstrup

Co-Authors: Laura Ahlqvist

Keywords:
citizen science
democratization
storytelling
alternative archaeology
inclusivity
accessibility