2nd Saturday Lecture Screenings
Join us every 2nd Saturday of the month for two screenings of our Living Room Lectures by archaeologists, experts, and authors. Lecture screenings start at 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM and are included with museum admission. No reservations needed. Seating is first come, first served. 10:30 AM - It’s Grind Time! Recent Investigations of the Ancestral Maya Ground Stone Tool Industry in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Belize by Dr. Jon Spenard While conducting opportunistic regional survey in summer 2022 in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Belize, Dr. Jon Spenard’s Rio Frio Regional Archaeological Project was informed of a series of granitic rock debitage piles nearby. Investigations revealed them to be ancestral Maya quarries and ground stone tool workshops, the first of their kind recorded anywhere in the Maya region. Naming the site the Buffalo Hill Quarries, the project mapped over a dozen extraction features (quarry pits and cut faces) surrounded by debitage piles spread over an area of approximately 16 hectares (40 acres). Aided by data from an aerial LiDAR survey of the region, the project returned in summer 2023 to finish mapping the site and conduct test excavations on an extraction locus to investigate ancestral Maya quarrying methods and techniques. In this talk, Dr. Spenard will present the results of those two field seasons, introduce more results from the LiDAR survey, and discuss the next stages of the project, including examining who the quarry workers were and how their products may have been distributed. 12:30 PM - The Skeletons of La Consentida, Oaxaca, Mexico by José “Pepe” Aguilar Twelve burials, comprising 14 individuals, were excavated from an Early Formative Period (1950–1525 BC) site called La Consentida, in Oaxaca, Mexico in 2009 and in 2012. These burials were later analyzed in 2012 and 2019. Collectively, they represent the earliest formal cemetery in the Mesoamerican west coast. Note: this presentation will show photographs of human skeletal remains.
Save Our Heritage Organization: Penning the Past Zoom Lecture – La Mesa
Join the Save Our Heritage Organization to learn about the unique character of San Diego’s historic neighborhoods through the eyes of impassioned writers and historians. Brought to life by esteemed local authors, Penning the Past promises to be an enriching exploration of San Diego’s architectural legacy and historical tapestry. The series is free for SOHO members, $10 per lecture for non-members. Your participation supports SOHO’s mission of education and advocacy to preserve the historic architecture, sites, and cultural landscapes that surround us and add meaning to our daily lives. La Mesa by James Newland On February 16, 1912, La Mesa Springs, a community of 700 citrus farmers, home seekers, developers, and businessmen, incorporated into the City of La Mesa. Located among the rolling hills and mesa lands between San Diego and El Cajon, today's suburban city of over 56,000 is still renowned for its small-town character, featuring its historic village business district, family-friendly neighborhoods, good schools, and ample retail and recreational amenities. The area's centuries-old prehistory and history can be traced to the natural springs that attracted stockman Robert Allison in 1869. Allison Springs, later renamed, prospered and grew after the arrival of the railroad in 1889. After incorporation, the young city grew steadily, reaching 3,925 residents by 1940. Post World War II La Mesa exemplified the exponential suburban growth of the region, expanding to the north and west of the old downtown to accommodate 50,000-plus residents by 1980—all were attracted, as today, to the "Jewel of the Hills." Author bio Historian and planner for the California State Parks Department, James Newland has been a stalwart in the field of historic preservation since 1991, and is past president of the La Mesa History Center. He has an MA in public history from San Diego State, has authored four insightful books on local history—Cleveland National Forest, Grossmont Hospital: A Legacy of Community Service, Around Mt. Helix, and La Mesa—and has made countless contributions to our community's heritage. This event is hosted by the Save Our Heritage Organization. For more information, questions, and registration, please contact the event organizer.
San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum: Science & Engineering Night
San Diego Children's Discovery Museum 320 North Broadway, Escondido, CA, United StatesJoin the San Diego Children's Discovery Museum for an after-hours event and watch the Museum transform to host hands-on activity booths featuring science, technology, reading, engineering, art, and math (STREAM)! Through hands-on activity booths and an endless amount of fun, children will learn about: Animals and biodiversity with Biology Through Art Aerodynamics with Fleet Science Center Physics of golf with San Diego Pop Up Mini Golf Hands-on ocean science with Ocean Connectors Archaeology with San Diego Archeological Center Satellites with Sally Ride Science Program Science of scent Electrical engineering with Snap Circuits Nano Materials Plus, you won’t want to miss a special dry ice presentation by Science Guys of San Diego! Conducting science experiments is hard work! Be sure to enjoy the food truck, Taco Spot and Cabetos Pops for a sweet treat. This event is hosted by the San Diego Children's Discovery Museum. For more information, questions, and registration, please contact the event organizer.
Lecture: Geology of San Diego County – The Formative Years
This talk will focus on amazing geological forces and events from the last 200 million years that have shaped the San Diego County we see today. From regional tectonics to massive volcanism, uplift and erosion, and the many current infrastructure challenges San Diego currently faces, Mike Thacker will tell the story behind our broad mesas, dramatic coastlines, canyons, and wide valleys. Attendees will be sure to come away with a deepened understanding of and appreciation for the geological history of our unique region. Cost: Pay what you wish Advance registration is closed. Please pay at door. About the Presenter Mike Thacker is a retired Senior Staff Research and Development Scientist at Thermo Fisher Scientific. He has a B.S. in zoology from San Diego State University and studied anthropology and archaeology at University of California Santa Barbara, Palomar College, and San Diego State University. He has been a member of the Board of Trustees for the San Diego Archaeological Center since 2018 and is a volunteer teaching assistant for Palomar College archaeological excavation field school and survey programs. Mike is passionate about his home of San Diego and leads interpretive hikes for the San Dieguito River Park and San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy. His interest in geology has motivated his study of the geology of the San Diego region for the last 14 years.
Save Our Heritage Organization: Marston House Architecture Tour
Marston House Museum 3525 7th Ave, San Diego, CA, United StatesTour starts at the Marston House Museum Shop in the carriage house. Take a walk on the architectural side with a 90-minute guided tour of the 1905 Marston House Museum inside and out. The San Diego firm of Hebbard & Gill designed the inviting English Arts & Crafts mansion with fluid indoor-outdoor connections. Irving Gill, who soon became San Diego's pioneering Modernist, created many of its design features and innovative conveniences. This tour was curated for SOHO by Erik Hanson, a leading authority on Gill and contributor to the book Irving Gill and the Architecture of Reform by Thomas S. Hines. The story begins at the carriage house for the estate (now SOHO's Marston House Museum Shop), then circles around the house in its Balboa Park and formal garden setting. Inside and out, architectural and construction details and period materials are highlighted, and include the Marston family's public and private rooms. Managed by SOHO for the City of San Diego, this property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum is wheelchair accessible on the first floor only; several exterior portions of the tour are not wheelchair accessible. This event is hosted by the Save Our Heritage Organization. For more information, questions, and registration, please contact the event organizer.
San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy: Walk N Talk – Lake Hodges Piedras Pintadas Trailhead
Bernardo Bay Staging Area W Bernardo Dr, San Diego, United StatesJoin the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy for a fun and exciting hike on the new Walk N Talk day, the last Friday of each month. Get ready to explore the beautiful interpretive trails, enjoy the fresh air, and connect with nature. This event is perfect for hikers of all levels, so grab your friends and family and come join us for a memorable day outdoors. Don't miss out on this opportunity to challenge yourself and experience the beauty of the great outdoors! This event is hosted by the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy. For more information, questions, and registration, please contact the event organizer.
Art with an Archaeologist
San Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesFree admission for kids on select Saturdays! Join us for family-friendly activities in our classroom, where you can create your own art with an archaeologist, become a junior archaeologist with our miniature excavation units, and curl up with a book on our cozy reading rug. Families can also explore the museum on an Archaeology Quest and check out our Excavation Station and Field Lab. Kids 12 & under: Free; Adults: $5 (includes museum admission)
Save Our Heritage Organization: Penning the Past Zoom Lecture – Little Italy
VirtualJoin the Save Our Heritage Organization to learn about the unique character of San Diego’s historic neighborhoods through the eyes of impassioned writers and historians. Brought to life by esteemed local authors, Penning the Past promises to be an enriching exploration of San Diego’s architectural legacy and historical tapestry. The series is free for SOHO members, $10 per lecture for non-members. Your participation supports SOHO’s mission of education and advocacy to preserve the historic architecture, sites, and cultural landscapes that surround us and add meaning to our daily lives. Little Italy by Dr. Thomas J. Cesarini Italian immigrants settled along San Diego's waterfront in the early 1900s and formed the "Italian Colony," a tightly knit community that provided refuge, shared culture, and heritage. Extended families, new businesses, and church traditions formed the foundation for a lasting social code. It was no coincidence that the area would become known as Little Italy—it was exactly that for its inhabitants—a home away from their native land. But by the mid-1960s, changes brought by war and urban modernization began to unravel the community. Take a compelling journey through this unique immigrant enclave. Vivid images and descriptive captions highlight essential elements of this community, such as labor and longing, fishing and family, ritual and revitalization. Through photographs contributed by local community members, this volume traces the evolution of a humble fishing village into the chic urban neighborhood that is Little Italy today. Author bio Dr. Thomas J. Cesarini, a distinguished academic and nonprofit leader, founded Convivio, a nonprofit dedicated to Italian humanities. Holding a PhD in leadership studies and an M.A. in nonprofit leadership and management from the University of San Diego, he is known for his advocacy for San Diego's Italian community and was appointed as the Italian Honorary Consul in 2019. He established the Italian Historical Society of San Diego in 2006, aiming to create a comprehensive Italian cultural center and museum. Dr. Cesarini's commitment to fostering Italian arts, culture, and heritage makes him a stalwart advocate in the San Diego Italian-American community. This event is hosted by the Save Our Heritage Organization. For more information, questions, and registration, please contact the event organizer.
Grape Day Festival
Grape Day Park 321 N Broadway, Escondido, CA, United StatesCelebrate Escondido’s agricultural heritage at the Escondido Grape Day Festival, presented by the Escondido History Center, The Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians, and Brothers of 6 Charities. This year’s event features activities for all ages including grape stomping, live music, children’s activities and games, antique farm equipment, food vendors, local arts and crafts, wine and beer garden, and more. Visit the SDAC’s booth to step into the fascinating world of archaeology. Conduct a mini excavation, assemble plate puzzles, and explore artifacts from the region. This event is hosted by the Escondido History Center and the Brothers of 6. For more information, visit the Escondido Grape Day Festival website.
Ancient Echoes: Pints & Pigments
San Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesIn this installment of our Ancient Echoes, you’ll make art the ancient way! Using natural pigments and a little human creativity, you’ll produce a one-of-a-kind paleolithic art piece (no cave required). All art materials will be provided. Tickets include two drinks per person (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available). This event is 21+. About Ancient Echoes In our adult friendly Ancient Echoes series, we look back into the archaeological record at the origins of many of our favorite things and breaking the conceptions of their modernity. Have you ever wondered about the roots of mead, chocolate, or beer? What about the importance of art, dance, and music to Ice Age hunter-gatherers? Ancient Echoes explores these topics and more, offering an interactive experience aimed at connecting us back with our deep past. Cost: $40; SDAC Members $35 Online Registration is closed. Please pay at door. Please note: Tickets are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, your ticket(s) will be converted into a tax-deductible donation.
Save Our Heritage Organization: Warner-Carrillo Ranch House Tour
Warner Carillo Ranch House 29181 San Felipe Road, Warner Springs, CA 9208, CA, United StatesBuilt in 1857 by Vincenta Carrillo, a prominent early Californio woman rancher, the adobe served as the Butterfield Stage Stop from 1858 until the beginning of the Civil War in 1861. As California's first regular overland transcontinental stage connection with St. Louis, this pioneering stage route ran along the Missouri Trail. The trail was the most southerly and only all-weather route to California. Built directly beside the emigrant trail, it figured prominently in the settler's diaries as their first glimpse of the promised land, the first well-watered valley to be encountered after crossing the Great Southwestern Deserts. The historic setting has changed very little from the time of the great western migration and presents a rare opportunity to experience the past. The adobe maintains a high degree of integrity including a great deal of its historic fabric including the original fireplace mantle, much woodwork, vigas (ceiling beams) and remains of its muslin ceiling cloths. Trained and knowledgeable docent educators lead the guided tour. Learn more about its history and restoration before your visit. Open Year Round Saturday • Sunday • 12-4pm Closed Christmas eve and Christmas day, New Year's eve and New Year's day House Tours are 45-60 minutes in length Please note: The last tour of the day begins at 3:45pm PURCHASE TICKETS In Person Warner-Carrillo Ranch House 29181 San Felipe Road, Warner Springs CA 92086 Admission $5 Adults $4 Seniors (65 & older) & Children (ages 6-12) Free for children & under This event is hosted by the Save Our Heritage Organization. For more information, questions, and registration, please contact the event organizer.
Story Time with an Archaeologist
San Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesJoin us on select Thursday mornings for archaeology-themed story time at the Center. Stay afterwards to explore the museum with family-friendly activities like our Archaeology Quest and Field Lab.