SAN DIEGO ARCHAEOLOGICAL CENTER

Lecture: Modeling Mesoamerican Masks
2025-06-28 10:30 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
Discover how a 3D modeling project at San Diego State University is bringing a historic collection of Mesoamerican masks into the digital age. This in-person lecture will explore how these digital models are enhancing teaching and public interpretation while tracing the deep history of masks as ritual, funerary, and ceremonial objects in ancient societies like Teotihuacan. The presentation will also examine how these traditions endure today in community practices such as danzas, offering a look at the ongoing cultural significance of masks across centuries of change.
Cost: Pay what you wish
Registration is closed. Please pay at door.

About the Presenters:
Keith Chan is a local anthropology instructor at Grossmont College, MiraCosta College, and SDSU. He is especially interested in using immersive technology in his teaching to bring students face-to-face with culture and biology. He created the virtual anthropology museum AnVRopomotron, which won the first Poly Award for Best Educational Experience, and is working on PaleoCalifornia, which turns the Pleistocene into a virtual reality theme park ride. He was also a recent research fellow at SDSU’s Virtual Immersive Learning and Teaching center, in which he launched the current project on masks.
Irene Gonzalez received her M.A. in Latin American Studies from SDSU, where her research focused on cultural preservation. Her work has explored the importance of community museums, specifically in Mexico, where she conducted field research in Oaxaca. She is currently the Collections Coordinator for the Mesoamerican Mask Collection at SDSU’s Center for Latin American Studies. Irene is passionate about bridging technology and cultural heritage in ways that are equitable and grounded in deep respect for Indigenous knowledge systems.

Art with an Archaeologist: Mesoamerican Masks
2025-06-28 12:00 - 13:30 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
Following our lecture on Modeling Mesoamerican Masks, join us for a special Art with an Archaeologist workshop and make your own tissue paper mask. All ages (including adults) are welcome.
Pro Tip: Attend our lecture on Modeling Mesoamerican Masks: Using Photogrammetry to Bring Cultural Heritage to Life to get inspired!

MUSEUM CLOSED for Independence Day
2025-07-04 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States

Historic Archery Day
2025-07-05 09:00 - 13:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
We’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

Museum Temporarily Closed for Construction
2025-07-09 - 2025-07-12 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
Join us for pop-up programming throughout San Diego County this summer.

Clay Pinch Pots & Free Summer Lunch at College-Rolando Library
2025-07-10 12:00 - 13:00 | College-Rolando Library, 6600 Montezuma Road, San Diego, 92115, United States
Join us at the College-Rolando Library to Create air-dry clay pinch pots while learning about ceramic as the first synthetic material and why it is appreciated by both artists and archaeologists.
Free Summer Lunch at San Diego Public Library is offered Monday-Friday from 12-1 PM. Lunch can only be served to youth ages 0-18. In addition to providing summer lunch for youth, San Diego Public Library aims to bridge the summer learning gap by hosting enrichment programs, provide access to community resources and inform families of opportunities. For more information, please contact the College-Rolando Library.

Kid's Crafts: Pinch Pots at Mountain View/Beckwourth Library
2025-07-16 16:00 - 17:00 | Mountain View/Beckwourth Library, 721 San Pasqual St, San Diego, CA, 92113, United States
Join us as we make clay pinch pots at the Mountain View/Beckwourth Library. Everything will be provided free of charge. For more information, contact the Mountain View/Beckwourth Library.

Science & Engineering Night at the Children's Museum of Discovery
2025-07-19 17:00 - 19:30 | Children’s Museum of Discovery, 320 North Broadway, Escondido, CA, 92025, United States
Join us for family-friendly archaeological activities at the Children’s Museum of Discovery’s Science & Engineering Night in Escondido. Step into a world of hands-on exploration and discovery during a special evening packed with interactive activity booths, live science demos, and fun for the whole family!
Through hands-on activity booths and an endless amount of fun, children will learn about:

Science of fires with the Escondido Fire Department
Robotics and coding with Magikid Robotics Lab
​Physics of soccer with Soccer Shots​​
Archaeology with San Diego Archaeological Center
Biomedicine with ACROBiosystems
Artifact discovery with San Diego History Center
​Dry ice sublimation
​Electrical engineering circuit art​
Coding
+ more!

Plus, you won’t want to miss learning about kinesiology through dance with Lovely Leaps Dance Studio. Fill up with a quick bite from The Go Go Truck and Ice World Frozen Desserts for hand-crafted ice cream.
For more information and tickets, please contact the Children’s Museum of Discovery.

Clay Pinch Pots at Scripps/Miramar Ranch Library
2025-07-24 15:00 - 17:30 | Scripps/Miramar Ranch Library, 10301 Scripps Lake Drive, San Diego, CA, 92131, United States
Discover the art and resiliency of pottery with our Clay Pinch Pot activity at the Scripps/Miramar Ranch Library! Learners of all ages will see how archaeologists study ceramics, then get hands-on by shaping and decorating their own mini clay creation to take home. Registration required. For more information, please contact the Scripps/Miramar Ranch Library.

Archaeology Pinch Pots at Encinitas Library
2025-07-31 10:30 - 11:30 | Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive, Encinitas, CA, 92024, United States
Join us at the Encinitas Library for pinch pots with clay impressions. Families will learn about archeologists, how they love to study pottery, and make their very own pinch pot! Limit one per child. While supplies lasts! For more information, please contact the Encinitas Library.

Archaeology Storytime at the San Marcos Library
2025-08-14 10:30 - 11:00 | San Marcos Library, 2 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos, CA, 92067, United States
Join us at the San Marcos Library to learn all about archaeology. For more information, please contact the San Marcos Library.

Soapstone Beads at Scripps/Miramar Ranch Library
2025-08-20 16:00 - 17:00 | Scripps/Miramar Ranch Library, 10301 Scripps Lake Drive, San Diego, CA, 92131, United States
Join us at the Scripps/Miramar Ranch Library to try your hand at stone craftsmanship with Soapstone Bead Carving. Using tools like a chert drill and granite file, participants of all ages will shape and polish their own bead while exploring the world of experimental archaeology. For more information and registration, please contact the Scripps/Miramar Ranch Library.

Reed Basketweaving at Scripps/Miramar Ranch Library
2025-08-27 16:00 - 17:00 | Scripps/Miramar Ranch Library, 10301 Scripps Lake Drive, San Diego, CA, 92131, United States
Join us at the Scripps/Miramar Ranch Library to explore the connection between plants and traditional crafts. Designed for ages 12 and up, this hands-on activity introduces participants to the way local plant materials shape basket styles across cultures, then guides them in creating their own small reed wicker basket to take home. For more information and registration, please contact the Scripps/Miramar Ranch Library.

Grape Day Festival
2025-09-13 12:00 - 18:00 | Grape Day Park, 321 N Broadway, Escondido, CA, 92025, United States
Join us 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.

Arch in the Park
2025-10-18 10:00 - 15:00 | Los Penasquitos Ranch House, 12122 Canyonside Park Drive, San Diego, CA, 92129, United States
Join us at the San Diego County Archaeological Society’s annual Arch in the Park event. Their goal is to educate the public about archaeology, and to provide information on various career and volunteer opportunities with local archaeological companies, museums, universities, and organizations. Typically, more than 30 vendors take part in Arch in the Park. Arch in the Park is ideal for students and budding archaeologists to network, as well as family fun.
This event is hosted by the San Diego County Archaeological Society. For more information, questions, and registration, please contact the event organizer.

2025 Southern Data Sharing Meeting
2025-10-18 15:00 - 18:00 | Los Penasquitos Ranch House, 12122 Canyonside Park Drive, San Diego, CA, 92129, United States
Join the Society for California Archaeology at Los Peñasquitos Ranch House in San Diego for the 2025 Southern Data Sharing Meeting.
The meeting will be an informal event with a relaxed and supportive atmosphere—perfect for students to practice presenting as well as an opportunity to meet and talk with professionals in California Archaeology in a fun and casual setting. Students are not required to be current SCA members.
Data Sharing: The official data sharing meeting begins around 3:00 pm, following the annual Arch in the Park, with presentations in the meeting room at Los Peñasquitos Ranch House and refreshments served at the break.
This event is hosted by the Society for California Archaeology and the San Diego County Archaeological Society. For more information, registration, and schedule, please contact the event organizer.

Archaeology Day at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
2025-11-08 09:00 - 15:30 | Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center, 200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
Join us at the Colorado Desert Archaeological Society’s Archaeology Day at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center. Events include Cahuilla Birdsingers and Dancers, basket weaving demonstrations, storytelling, tours of the Begole Archaeology Research Lab, exhibits, and in-person field trips to Mine Wash Village and Blair Valley cultural sites.
View Archaeology Day Flyer
This event is hosted by the Colorado Desert Archaeological Society. For more information, questions, and registration, please contact the event organizer.

Museum Closed
2025-11-12 - 2025-11-14, 2025-11-27 - 2025-11-28, 2025-12-24 - 2025-12-25, 2026-01-01 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States

Museum Reopening Open House
2025-11-15 10:00 - 14:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
To celebrate our museum reopening, join us rain or shine for a free open house with hands-on activities, a lecture, and light refreshments. In addition to viewing our upgraded facilities, be the first to see our new and revitalized exhibits, including the debut of Kumeyaay Cosmology on loan from the Imperial Valley Desert Museum. This immersive exhibit explores the Kumeyaay people’s relationship with the seasons, stars, and celestial events.
Event Schedule
10 AM: Museum opens
10:30 AM – 11 AM: Opening ceremony
11 AM – 1 PM: Hands-on activities
1 PM – 2 PM: Fact or Fiction: Hollywood, Hoaxes, and Hearsay Lecture

Pseudoscience Lecture: Fact or Fiction? Hoaxes, Hearsay, and Hollywood
2025-11-15 13:00 - 14:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
This lecture stems from one of the Center’s recent exhibits which investigates our irrational fascination with fantastical stories and ideas about human history. Public Archaeology Director Adam Niesley will explore the scientific evidence (or lack thereof) for commonly held archaeological beliefs and how conspiracies develop.

Fall Into Archaeology Day Camp
2025-11-24 10:00 - 14:30 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
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! Space is limited to 30 campers per session. Sign up now and let the adventure begin! Our autumn day camp for elementary school students will take place the week of Thanksgiving. Choose individual days or choose them all!
Grades: 2-7
Schedule:
November 24 to 26
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.
For pricing and registration, see our Fall Into Archaeology Day Camp page.

North County Archery Club
2025-11-29 09:00 - 13:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
The 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

Art with an Archaeologist: Ornaments
2025-12-13 10:00 - 12:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
Get creative 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. All materials will be provided.

Sip & Craft: Festive Ornaments & Native Plant Garlands
2025-12-13 13:00 - 15:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
Create handmade holiday decorations that showcase the beauty around us and enjoy good cheer all around! Harvest your own toyon berries and leaves to string together into beautiful, natural garlands and create ornaments that celebrate archaeology and the beauty of stratigraphy. All materials will be provided. Tickets include two glasses of wine (non-alcoholic options also available). Ages 21+ only
Tickets: $30, SDAC Members $25
Registration is closed.

MUSEUM CLOSING EARLY
2025-12-31 10:00 - 13:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States

Museum Month
2026-02-04 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
Take advantage of half-off admission at the San Diego Archaeological Center and 70+ other museums and attractions across San Diego for the whole month of February! Pick up a printed Museum Month pass at your local library, valid for 4 guests at 70+ local museums, historic sites, gardens, parks, aquariums, and more. You can also download a free digital pass through the San Diego Museum Council’s website.

SOLD OUT Senses of the Valley: Natural Perfume Workshop
2026-02-14 11:00 - 13:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
Join us for an aromatic afternoon centered around the scents of the San Pasqual Valley! Learn about the plants, both native and contemporary, that grow in our beautiful valley, as you create your own fragrance oil blend that captures the lush vegetation of San Diego. This workshop includes a presentation and the creation of your own signature scented oil to take home and enjoy. Scents used in the workshop include Black Sage (Salvia mellifera), California Wild Rose (Rosa californica), Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), Laurel Sumac (Malosma laurina), Lemon Scented Gum Eucalyptus (Corymbia citriodora), Orange (Citrus sinensis), California Sagebrush (Artemisia californica), Pink Peppercorn (Schinus molle), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), and Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia).
Cost: $30; SDAC Members $25
Registration is full.
