This month has been a busy and productive one for both the Department’s team and our Section members.
We were pleased to welcome Liliâ Tayeb from the Université de Caen Normandie to Jersey. As part of her undergraduate studies in History and Archaeology, Liliâ has been working alongside our Field Archaeologist on the inventory and reorganisation of collections held at La Hougue Bie. Her internship focused on the archaeological collections formerly belonging to Margaret Finlaison, including the digitisation of plans and drawings, the study of excavation records, and the cataloguing of archaeological material. Her internship will come to an end on the 5th of June.
While preparations continue for this year’s Festival of Archaeology organised by the Council for British Archaeology (CBA), two public events took place during the month:
- The first was the European Night of Museums, organised in collaboration with our colleagues at Jersey Heritage and held on the 23rd of May. The event attracted more than 50 visitors, who were able to enjoy free access to La Hougue Bie, guided tours of the Searching for Jersey’s Celts exhibition, and displays of previously unseen archaeological collections from excavations undertaken by the Field Archaeology Department. The event was well received by both organisers and visitors and will very likely be repeated in 2027, perhaps with a Norman-themed programme linked to the 2027: European Year of the Normans’s celebration.
On the 29th of May, Hervé Duval-Gatignol travelled to Saint-Malo to deliver a lecture to members of the Université du Temps Libre du Pays de Saint-Malo. Organised by Julien Chevalier in collaboration with the Centre Régional d’Archéologie d’Alet (Ce.R.A.A.), the event provided an opportunity to renew long-standing connections between researchers on both sides of the Channel. Entitled Archaeology in Jersey: 150 Years of Discoveries and Research, the lecture introduced students and archaeology enthusiasts to the rich archaeological heritage of the Bailiwick and the results of research carried out over the past 150 years.
Finally, we are particularly pleased to announce that Hervé Duval-Gatignol has officially been awarded Member status (MCIfA) by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA). As Head of the Field Archaeology Department of the Société Jersiaise, this recognition reflects both his professional experience and his commitment to the high standards, ethical principles, and best practices promoted by CIfA. MCIfA represents the highest accredited level of professional membership within the Institute and recognises responsibility, leadership, and professional competence in archaeology.
Figures:
- Liliâ Tayeb, Student at the Université de Caen Normandie, working at La Hougue Bie. Picture by Hervé Duval-Gatignol
- European Night of Museums 2026. Picture by Theresa Perchard
- Talk for the Université du Temps Libre du Pays de Saint-Malo hold at the Centre Régional d’Archéologie d’Alet (Ce.R.A.A.). Picture by Julien Chevalier
- Hervé Duval-Gatignol awarded Member status (MCIfA )by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists. Picture by Max Le Feuvre
