Events
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Zooarchaeology Owl Pellet Dissection Workshop
FeaturedSan Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesSDAC EventsDo you like animals? Are you curious about archaeology? This Halloween, explore where these interests meet in a delightfully macabre fashion at our Zooarchaeology Owl Pellet Dissection Workshop. Discover the ecology of local owls and learn how archaeologists use animal remains to better understand human lifeways. Special guest Susan Arter, co-director of the San Diego Zooarchaeology Lab at the San Diego Natural History Museum, will be on hand to help identify faunal material in the pellets and answer questions about the field of zooarchaeology. This event is ages 21+. Your ticket will include two owl pellets and two drinks per person. Cost: $40; SDAC Members $30
$30 – $40 -
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Archaeology Day at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center 200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesOther Events of InterestJoin us at the Colorado Desert Archaeological Society's Archaeology Day at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center. Events include Cahuilla Bird Singers, juncus basket making, storytelling, tours of the Begole Archaeology Library tours, presentations, and in-person field trips. This event is hosted by our friends at the Colorado Desert Archaeological Society. For more information, questions, and registration, please contact the event organizer.
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Lecture – Uncovering the Stories of the Aliso Adobe: Archaeology, Archives, and a Forgotten Community
FeaturedSan Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesSDAC EventsFrom 2023 to 2025, the Palomar College archaeology excavation class uncovered a long-forgotten nineteenth-century adobe in San Diego County’s Elfin Forest/Harmony Grove area. These excavations provide the first comprehensive archaeological documentation of this historic adobe, revealing new insights into its residence, the community, and its place in the region’s past. Conducted in cooperation with property owner Greg White and regional historian Alexa Clausen, the project investigated the adobe’s architecture, history, and changing use. Across four field seasons and 47 excavation units, students and researchers documented distinctive stone foundations, interior walls, a collapsed brick chimney, and other architectural features that offer new insights into historic building practices and domestic life. Drawing on archaeological evidence, archival research, and comparisons with the nearby Robert Israel Adobe, this presentation explores the intertwined Californio and Anglo-American histories of the Aliso District. Despite extensive disturbance from erosion, salvage, recreational use, and other post-abandonment processes, the excavations revealed important details about the adobe’s construction and history, contributing to a deeper understanding of San Diego County’s historic adobe architecture and regional past. Cost: $15; SDAC Members $5 About the Presenter Betsy Pain is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at Palomar College, where she serves as the Archaeology Program Coordinator. She earned her B.A. in Anthropology from UCLA and her M.A. in Anthropology from California State University, Northridge. Her specialty is historical archaeology, with a focus on bringing to light the stories of underrepresented communities through archaeological research. Above all, Betsy is passionate about working with students, sharing her love of archaeology, and providing hands-on learning experiences in both the field and the laboratory.
$5 – $15 -
Kumeyaay Cosmology Gallery Talk
Featured Kumeyaay Cosmology Gallery TalkSan Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesSDAC EventsCurious about the Kumeyaay Cosmos? Join us for a free brief lecture introducing how one of San Diego’s original peoples looked to the skies for navigation, guidance, and to understand the origins of the universe. This cosmological knowledge remains central to Kumeyaay traditions and beliefs, which were almost lost to time through colonization. These talks are held in honor of Native American Heritage Month to help preserve this cultural knowledge for future generations. Space is limited. Please register in advance to secure your spot. About the Presenter Haawka! Neve Luna is a Kumeyaay descendant and San Diego native who grew up on the San Pasqual Reservation in Valley Center, California. She received her B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Oregon and now works at the San Diego Archaeological Center as the Tribal Outreach Coordinator. Neve develops Indigenous-based educational programs to strengthen the Center's engagement amongst Tribal youth and other diverse communities. With every project, lecture, or community partnership, Neve is dedicated to preserving the culture of the Kumeyaay People while inspiring local residents to appreciate San Diego's rich history.
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Members Only Lecture: 10,000 Years of Beer
FeaturedSan Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesSDAC EventsJoin us for a members-only presentation delving into the murky, storied archaeological past of our favorite malted beverage. From ancient Sumerian hymns to Egyptian tombs to the secretive monasteries of old Bavaria, we'll uncover how archaeological findings such as brewing tools and ancient recipes reveal beer's influence on culture, economy, and social life throughout history. This free event is for ages 21+ and includes two beverages per person. Not a member or need to renew? Purchase Membership
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Archaeology Fall Camp
Featured Archaeology Fall CampSan Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesSDAC EventsFrom owl pellet dissections to clay plant impressions, this year’s Science of Archaeology theme is perfect for junior scientists or any child eager to experience the past in a whole new way. Get ready for a week filled with adventure, discovery, and endless fun! Space is limited to 30 campers per session. Sign up now and let the adventure begin! Our autumn day camp will take place the week of Thanksgiving. Choose individual days or choose them all! Ages: 6-12 Dates: November 23 – 25, 2026 Schedule: Monday, November 23: Introduction to the Science of Archaeology Tuesday, November 24: Archaeobotany – Plants in the Archaeological Record Wednesday, November 25: Zooarchaeology – Animals in the Archaeological Record Hours: 10 AM to 2:30 PM Extended care hours: Early drop-off (starting at 9 AM) and late pickup (ending at 4 PM) are available for an additional fee. Pricing: Full Session: $300; SDAC Members $260 Daily Rate: $100/day Extended Care Hours: $20 per camper per day Registrations are non-refundable. Enrollment information will be sent within 7 business days of registration. Please note that registration is not confirmed until SDAC staff send a confirmation email with enrollment information. Many of our activities are outside in the San Pasqual Valley. All campers MUST wear close toed shoes, and bring a hat, water bottle, and sunscreen. Campers must provide their own snacks and a lunch brought in a clearly labelled brown paper bag. All lunches are stored in our communal fridge, so we ask that no peanut products be brought to the San Diego Archaeological Center for the safety of those who may have a severe allergy. For additional questions, contact education@sandiegoarchaeology.org. For more family-friendly activities, check out our Upcoming Events calendar.
$100 – $300 -
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Art with an Archaeologist: Holiday Ornaments
FeaturedSan Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesSDAC EventsGet creative this holiday season by making festive, handmade ornaments! Our Holiday Art with an Archaeologist workshop is free for kids 12 and under. We will be talking about the earth underfoot and creating unique ornaments that showcase the beauty of stratigraphy. Stop by the San Diego Archaeological Center any time between 10 AM and 2 PM to get started. All materials will be provided!
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CANCELED – North County Archery Club
San Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesSDAC EventsThe North County Archery Club has become a favorite gathering for many of our members and the local community. To help ensure the long-term success of our open range events, we are pausing upcoming sessions while we complete several behind-the-scenes updates. Thank you for your understanding and continued enthusiasm. We hope to see you at our other upcoming events in the meantime.
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North County Archery Club
Featured North County Archery ClubSan Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesSDAC EventsThe San Diego Archaeological Center is hosting the North County Archery Club on the last Saturday of each month. All ages and skill levels are welcome, with gear available first-come-first-served. Archers are invited to explore the museum and learn about the history of San Diego. Cost: $15, SDAC Members Free
$15 -
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Senior Wednesdays
San Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesSDAC EventsSeniors 65+ can enjoy free admission to the Center on Wednesdays. Discover the science of archaeology through our interactive Archaeology 101 exhibit, explore the cultural periods of San Diego, and uncover the Lives and Lifestyles on Block 112: The Untold Story of San Diego’s Working Class.
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Story Time with an Archaeologist
San Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesKids Dig ArchaeologyJoin 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. This activity is funded in part by City of San Diego Cultural Affairs.
$5 -
Art with an Archaeologist
Featured Art with an ArchaeologistSan Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesKids Dig ArchaeologyFree 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)
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