Our story
Canterbury Archaeological Trust is committed to sharing our enthusiasm for archaeology and heritage. Our primary charitable aim is to 'promote the advancement of public education in the subject of archaeology' and we work to achieve this through a variety of resources, projects and by providing opportunities for people to get involved in archaeology. Our passion for archaeology has been present from the very start, since our formation in October 1975. Find out more about the history of the Trust, and our work over the years.
Outreach projects
The Trust has a strong track record of delivering innovative community engagement projects, often in partnership with other heritage organisations, universities and voluntary groups.
Details of our community projects and partnerships can be found here.
Unlocking Our Past
Unlocking Our Past showcases Kent’s diverse heritage in two principal ways: by presenting a collection of outstanding and revelatory finds recovered by Canterbury Archaeological Trust archaeologists over decades of investigation; and by exploring the way that Kent has connected Britain to the wider world over the course of millennia.
The work has been possible thanks to a grant received by Canterbury Archaeological Trust from Historic England thorough its Covid-19 Emergency Response Fund, a fund set up to support heritage organisations manage the impact of coronavirus.
Artist-in-Residence
We are always seeking to explore innovative ways to engage individuals and communities with the Trust’s work and with archaeology, to share our enthusiasm as widely as possible and to develop new audiences. As part of this process, the Trust has an Artist-in-Residence, Bryan Hawkins, who uses art-based activities to develop different forms of interaction and engagement.
The Ian Coulson Bursary
The Ian Coulson Bursary is a grant available to teachers in Kent to support teaching. Teachers in Kent schools are invited to apply for the bursary to develop classroom resources based on Kent’s local history and/or archaeology. It is open to teachers in both primary and secondary schools.
One bursary, worth up to £1000, will be available each academic year for which any Kent school can apply.
Friends of CAT
The Trust has an active Friends organisation, founded in 1984 with the principal aim of supporting our work. By becoming a Friend, you will enjoy a number of benefits including a yearly annual review of the Trust’s work, three newsletters a year, the opportunity to attend public talks, and occasional visits to excavations and other places of interest.
Learning
We provide a range of learning opportunities in the form of an extensive range of teaching and learning resources, including our CAT Kit and CAT Box loans, and online resources to download.
Volunteering
Volunteering opportunities are limited. Please fill in the form if you would like to join our waiting list. Your details will be held for a maximum of six months.
