Events
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Living Room Lecture – Beyond Bones: How Human Osteology Can Facilitate Wellbeing, Healing, and Inclusion
FeaturedVirtualArch CollectiveIn this lecture, Giselle Király will discuss the power of human osteoarchaeology, and how, with the right facilitation, it has the ability to promote wellbeing, healing and inclusion. This has been most notable in archaeological sites with military service people, but also seen on sites with people with low mental health, neurodivergence, ADHD, or autism. Giselle will look at sites ranging from Sutton Hoo to World War II, where archaeology, and specifically human remains, have changed peoples lives. Note: This lecture will contain images of human remains. This lecture will be held on Zoom. Cost: Pay what you wish Registration is closed. About the Speaker Giselle Király is a commercial fieldwork project officer and human osteoarchaeologist for PCAS Archaeology in England, conducting excavations and analysing skeletal assemblages ranging from the peaty Mesolithic to WWII plane crashes. She also collaborates with Operation Nightingale, of the Ministry of Defence, helping veterans on their path to recovery through archaeology. She has led fieldwork in Europe, Georgia, and across the UK, teaching osteology and field techniques to students, veterans, volunteers, and police forces. She can be seen on History Hit TV, Digging for Britain, and most notably, the revived Time Team.
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Historic Archery Day
FeaturedSan Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesSDAC EventsWe're stringing our bows for a spot of archery right here at the San Diego Archaeological Center! Shoot some rounds and learn about how different cultures around the world crafted, hunted, and fought with bows and arrows. Register now to save your spot. This event is family friendly. Kids will enjoy a supervised range at the front of the museum all to themselves, with an adults-only range for more powerful bows in the back. No previous experience required. Please bring your own gear if possible. A limited amount of gear will be available to borrow - first come, first served. Cost: $15; GSUSA $10; SDAC Members Free Tickets include museum admission. No registration needed for SDAC Members. Registration is closed. Please pay at door.
Free – $15 -
MUSEUM CLOSED for Private Event
San Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesSDAC Events -
Museum Month
San Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesSDAC EventsThe San Diego Archaeological Center is proud to participate in San Diego Museum Month during the month of February. Presented by the San Diego Museum Council and the San Diego Foundation, this month-long promotion offers fifty percent off admission for up to four people at over sixty museums and attractions throughout San Diego County. San Diego Museum Month passes can be picked up for free at public libraries throughout the County or downloaded from the San Diego Museum Council website.
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2nd Saturday Lecture Screenings
San Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesArch CollectiveJoin 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.
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Flintknapping Basics: The Ancient Art of Stone Tool Making
FeaturedSan Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesKids Dig ArchaeologyStep back in time and discover the fascinating craft of flintknapping in this hands-on class! Flintknapping is the ancient technique of shaping stone into tools through the application of controlled force, a skill that has been used by humans for hundreds of thousands of years. In this class, you'll learn the basics of flintknapping, including how to create cutting tools, points, and other useful implements by striking and shaping raw stone. Guided by an experienced instructor, you’ll gain insight into the historical and cultural significance of flint tools and understand the precision involved in the process. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a survival skills aficionado, or simply curious about ancient craftsmanship, this class offers a unique opportunity to connect with a time-honored tradition. You’ll leave with not only new skills but also a deeper appreciation for how early humans created the tools that helped shape civilization. All materials are provided, and no prior experience is necessary. Ages 12 and up. Participants under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult participant. Cost: $45; SDAC Members $35; Scouts (GSUSA & Scouting America): $25 Registration is full.
$25 – $45 -
Member Exclusive: Bayside Trail Guided Walk at Cabrillo National Monument
FeaturedCabrillo National Monument 1800 Cabrillo Monument Dr, San Diego, CA, United StatesSDAC EventsSDAC Members are invited to join the Cabrillo National Monument Foundation for an exclusive, guided moonlight walk along Cabrillo National Monument's Bayside Trail against the backdrop of the night sky, downtown, the bay, Coronado Island and the Pacific Ocean. Witness the majestic Old Point Loma Lighthouse illuminated at night, enjoy a complimentary cup of hot cocoa, and take a stroll under the moonlit sky after hours in this exclusive member experience. Current SDAC membership and RSVP are required. Must RSVP by April 9. Space is limited to 30 members. No pets permitted. Wear walking shoes and warm clothes. Bring water and a flashlight.
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Annual BBQ
FeaturedSan Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesSDAC EventsJoin us for an afternoon of food, lively entertainment, and a gathering of San Diego’s archaeological community. Back by popular demand, we’re serving up all-you-can-eat carne asada, pollo asada, carnitas, and jackfruit adovada tacos from Frida’s Taqueria. Sip colorful agua frescas from Frida's, craft beer from Pizza Port, and local wine from Rancho Guejito Vineyard at our open bar while you enjoy live music from Probable Caws. Test your aim at our archery and atlatl range for all ages, enter our opportunity drawing for a chance to win cool prizes, and meet our newest staff and board members. Students can connect with professional archaeologists from local CRM firms. Proceeds from this event provide funding for the Center’s programming and preservation efforts. We hope to see you there! Cost: $50; SDAC Members $40 (pre-sale only); Students $20; Tribal Members $20; Kids 12 & under: $15 Pre-sale has ended. Please purchase tickets at door. The Center is looking for generous individuals and businesses to support the BBQ. For more information, see our BBQ Sponsorship page. Thank You to Our Corporate Sponsors!
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The Big Exchange
Multiple LocationsSDAC EventsEvery spring, San Diego’s museums come together for something truly special: The Big Exchange, happening this year from May 1–18. During this limited-time event, your membership at the San Diego Archaeological Center gives you FREE general admission to more than 50 museums all across San Diego County! You can find more about The Big Exchange, including a listing of participating museums, on the San Diego Museum Council website. Not a member or need to renew? Purchase SDAC Membership
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Open Archery Range
FeaturedSan Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesSDAC EventsWe're stringing our bows for a spot of archery featuring fresh hay bale targets right here at the San Diego Archaeological Center! Shoot some rounds and learn about how different cultures around the world crafted, hunted, and fought with bows and arrows. This event is family friendly. Kids will enjoy a supervised range at the front of the museum all to themselves, with an adults-only range for more powerful bows in the back. No previous experience required. Please bring your own gear if possible. A limited amount of gear will be available to borrow - first come, first served. Cost: $15; SDAC Members Free
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Open Archery Range
FeaturedSan Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesSDAC EventsWe're stringing our bows for a spot of archery featuring fresh hay bale targets right here at the San Diego Archaeological Center! Shoot some rounds and learn about how different cultures around the world crafted, hunted, and fought with bows and arrows. This event is family friendly. Kids will enjoy a supervised range at the front of the museum all to themselves, with an adults-only range for more powerful bows in the back. No previous experience required. Please bring your own gear if possible. A limited amount of gear will be available to borrow - first come, first served. Cost: $15; SDAC Members Free
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Archaeology Summer Camp
Featured Archaeology Summer CampSan Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesSDAC EventsWe are excited to announce our summer day camp for elementary school students! Whether your child or grandchild is a budding archaeologist or just eager to experience the past in a whole new way, our camp offers something for everyone. Get ready for a week filled with adventure, discovery, and endless fun! With our a la carte style day camp, you can choose individual days or choose them all! Space is limited to 20 campers. Grades: K-5 Dates: June 16-20, 2025 Schedule: Monday: Welcome to the Ice Age Tuesday: Fun with the Ancient Maya Wednesday: Ancient Egypt Thursday: The Roman Empire Friday: Kumeyaay Day Hours: 10 AM to 2:30 PM Extended care hours: Early drop-off (starting at 8:30 AM) and late pickup (ending at 4 PM) are available for an additional fee. Pricing: Full Session (Monday-Friday): $425 $395 Daily Rate: $85 per day Extended Care Hours: $20 per camper per day A late charge of $1 a minute begins accruing after scheduled pick-up time. Enroll Your Child in Archaeology Summer Day Camp 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.