A huge turnout at the Milton open days! (Milton, week 15)

This week marked a thrilling milestone as we opened our doors to the public for our highly anticipated open days. Thanks to the sponsorship of Cambridge Constabulary, the theme of the days was the collection of evidence, in our case the evidence of Roman life. Months of dedicated effort from our team, both on site and behind the scenes, went into planning and preparing a memorable experience for our guests. As the day approached, a mix of excitement and nervousness filled the air, with high hopes that our hard work and preparations would pay off.

To our delight and astonishment, the response surpassed our wildest expectations as nearly 1,000 visitors graced our site over the 12-hours. Eager young faces and inquisitive thoughtful older minds set the tone for an incredible two days. Witnessing the genuine enthusiasm and interest of attendees exploring our exhibits and presentations was heartwarming. The event was designed to be engaging and immersive, aimed at striking a chord with young and old alike, in the hope that it would leave a lasting impact. The diverse array of interactive exhibits and activities catered to a wide range of interests and preferences.

Fieldwalking was organised and directed by ARS staff, which proved to be a major success, attracting numerous attendees eager to explore the site and actively participate in collecting surface artefacts. Guided by our expert team, participants had a hands-on experience that provided technical guidance on artefact identification and finds collection with insight into the significance of finds distributions and the thrill of discovery.

Roman reenactors from Longthorpe Legion transported attendees to bygone eras and proved to be an absolute hit, weaving an enchanting narrative of Roman life throughout the event. There was a cartographic presentation on the Legion by one of its soldiers, a talk and demonstration on the use of pigments for watercolours, and a fantastic collection of artefacts from around the Empire rescued from obscurity.

Our own pop-up museum—that has been on display at the Farmland Museum at Denny Abbey, Waterbeach—showcased some of our most captivating finds and offered an informative journey through the site history. We presented artefacts and significant milestones in the archaeological process, explaining how valuable insights into the nature and development of the site had been reached. Attendees were drawn to talks by the experts, with Rob Perrin on Roman Pottery and Peter Guest’s enlightening discussions about Roman coins. Their expertise and passion for the subjects shone through, enriching the audience with newfound knowledge and appreciation for these historical treasures. Captivating elements came together for the children seamlessly, with Peter’s coin handling collection and colouring in activities creating an extraordinary experience for all who attended.

We are pleased that the open days fostered a connection with the public and a valuable opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, listen to ideas, answer queries, and establish relationships. As we reflect on the success of the open days, we’re grateful for the incredible support we received from everyone. Our dedicated team worked hard to make the event possible, and we extend heartfelt appreciation to all the visitors who made the trip and made the days a resounding success.

Above all, we thank Cambridgeshire Constabulary for their active involvement and unwavering support. As the future location of the Cambridgeshire Southern Police Station, their dedication to supporting the event underscored the continuous commitment of the force to the community—not only it’s safety and security, but it’s continued future and wellbeing. We also thank their stakeholders who made it possible to promote archaeological and heritage awareness in the community, creating an unforgettable, positive experience. Together we eagerly look ahead at our journey to completion, when we will be making visits to schools and delivering talks for local groups next year to share some of the results from the wealth of artefacts and data produced by the excavations, which will ultimately go to publication.

As always, follow our progress on the site by following us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram.

Previous update (week 14).

See the main project page here.