Cultural heritage, which includes archaeology, is recognized as serving an increasingly important role in European societal development. But what exactly is the relevance of archaeology to present day citizens? Imprint of Action investigates the sociocultural impact of archaeology through public activities. These activities provide an ideal setting for research, as they represent a structured point of encounter between the public and archaeological heritage; in analysing them, aspects of people’s connections to the past are revealed. As such this research forms an integral part of the NEARCH project (2013-2018). As a basis for analysis, survey data from three large-scale case studies – ‘DOMunder’ (Netherlands), ‘You(R) Archaeology’ (Cross-Europe), and ‘Invisible Monuments’ (Greece) was used. The analysis and interpretation of the case studies is based on a newly created methodological framework which finds its roots in the broader culture and arts sector. Results shows that activities encourage participation and interaction, which engenders sociocultural impacts on participants, most notably in knowledge increase, skill development, social relations, and happiness. Imprint of Action is the first large-scale study focussing entirely on sociocultural impact in archaeology and, as such, is explorative in nature; it provides unique insights into the workings of interaction and participation in archaeological events, and openly shares qualitative and quantitative research data with the expanding field. In doing so, Imprint of Action lies the foundations for further analysis of the societal impact of both large-and small-scale heritage projects and identifies the incontestable values of archaeological heritage to the public. Contents: 1. Introduction The value of cultural heritage and archaeology Theoretical framework Methodological framework Research objectives and deliverables Contents of this thesis 2. Theoretical and methodological framework Introduction The concept of cultural heritage Value assessment and value typology Societal value of cultural heritage Value of participation in archaeology Sociocultural impact as a theoretical framework Introduction Impact versus value Sociocultural impact in cultural heritage Sociocultural impact as a methodological framework Introduction Online and face-to-face surveys From goals to indicators to survey questions Analysis and interpretation of the results 3. Case Study: DOMunder Introduction Research goals for this case study About DOMunder History of the Domplein Square The creation of DOMunder The surveys Introduction Methodology Results Visitor survey Resident survey Volunteer survey Wrapping up results Research goals Activity goals 4. Case Study: You(R) Archaeology Introduction Research goals for this case study About the You(R) Archaeology contest The surveys Introduction Methodology Results Demographics Local image and identity Personal development Social cohesion Community empowerment and self-determination Imagination and vision Health and wellbeing Wrapping up results Research goals Activity goals 5. Case Study: Invisible Monuments Introduction Research goals for this case study About the Invisible Monuments, Digital Memory event The surveys Introduction Methodology Results Demographics Local image and identity Personal development Social cohesion Community empowerment and self-determination Imagination and vision Health and wellbeing Wrapping up results Research goals Activity goals 6. Discussion Introduction Comparing the case studies Comparing activity goals Comparing results of the surveys Recommendations – a ‘step-by-step’ guideline Cost Benefit of the case studies Sustainable Development Introduction Emergence of the concept (within cultural heritage management) Adding to the triple bottom line: culture as a fourth pillar Discussion 7. Conclusion Acknowledgements References List of Figures List of Tables Appendices Appendix A1a: The DOMunder visitor survey (English) Appendix A1b: The DOMunder visitor survey (Dutch) Appendix A2a: The DOMunder resident survey (English) Appendix A2b: The DOMunder resident survey (Dutch) Appendix A3: the DOMunder volunteer survey (Dutch) Appendix B1: The You(R) Archaeology participant survey Appendix C1: The Invisible Monuments visitor survey Summary Samenvatting