« All Events

  • This event has passed.

Shrouded Heritage

February 8, 2020 @ 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Ten years ago, Thomas Holm read Scott O’Dell’s novel Island of the Blue Dolphins with his fourth-grade daughter. That experience led to him to research California’s indigenous mariners, including the “Nicoleño” of San Nicolas Island, which is the real setting of O’Dell’s book. That ten year journey, from elementary school field trip, to claims of improprieties, to the enactment of new preservation laws, will be addressed by Holm as he presents his new book entitled, Shrouded Heritage: Island of the Blue Dolphins.

Holm sets out to learn the truth about California’s ancient island-dwelling People, especially the real-life woman fictionalized as Karana in Scott O’Dell’s beloved novel Island of the Blue Dolphins. That endearing soul became the last of her kind after witnessing the bloody massacre of her tribe. She then suffered 18 years of isolation on her cold and merciless island. This investigation of her life and the legacy of her People inadvertently triggers a battle among academics and Indigenous Peoples with world-wide implications. Woven together within this saga are data from church records, court papers, ship logs, and dozens of other historic and “scientific” documents. Likewise, and with equal reverence, included are oral accounts, traditional songs, and religious beliefs of tribal elders. This uniquely inclusive approach provides the source of new information about the real “Island of the Blue Dolphins” and its remarkable heritage. Also included in Holm’s presentation will be exclusive photos of unique artifacts, archeological excavations and extraordinary scenery from San Nicolas Island.

About the Author

Thomas Holm is an author, archaeological researcher, environmental activist, and long-distance paddler.  His research has focused on the ancient maritime cultures of the Southern California Bight, including those of the Channel Islands.  He teaches Marine Archaeology and Preservation at California State University, San Marcos and has made numerous solo passages on a stand up paddleboard from the mainland to the Channel Islands to research early oceanic trade routes.

Signed copies of Holm’s book will be available for purchase and proceeds will help establish the M/V Conception Memorial Garden on Santa Cruz Island to honor 34 people recently killed during a boat fire.

Date: Saturday, February 8, 2020
Time: 11 AM
Location: San Diego Archaeological Center
Cost: $2 (museum admission included; pay at door); Members Free

Details

Date:
February 8, 2020
Time:
11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Venue

San Diego Archaeological Center
16666 San Pasqual Rd.
Escondido, CA 92027 United States
Phone
(760) 291-0370

Registrations are closed for this event

Volunteers work in the Center’s Research Library, cataloguing materials and organizing on a computer-based system.

Marketing and Administrative Volunteers assist the Development Office or Administration Office with data entry, updating marketing materials and clerical tasks. Computer experience is a plus.

Docents welcome visitors and answer general questions regarding the Center and exhibits. Docents staff the gift shop and help out with administrative and curatorial tasks.

Volunteers support event activities at the Center, such as the Annual BBQ, lectures, workshops, and fundraising events. Be a part of the party!

Volunteer provide support for K-12 programs offered at the Center. These are fun, hands-on programs that kids really enjoy. Teaching experience is a plus, but not required. Background checks are required.

Photogrammetry

With the assistance of Center staff, the intern will use photogrammetry to prepare one or more archaeological collections for digital preservation, as well as create a virtual museum exhibit for our Public Archaeology department. Per approval, special projects of the intern’s choosing are also available. During the research and planning, the intern will receive guidance as appropriate to their selected project. Prospective interns should already be familiar with photogrammetric procedures, and Agisoft Metashape.

Collections Management

With the assistance of Center staff, the intern will prepare one or more archaeological collections for curation. During the course of the internship, the intern will learn to identify artifacts and ecofacts common to the San Diego region, including lithics, ceramics, historical objects, and faunal, botanical, and mineral specimens. Center staff will instruct the intern on archaeological laboratory procedures such as basic artifact analysis, manual and computer cataloguing, storage requirements, and preventative conservation. In addition, the intern will become familiar with historical trends in archaeological practice in the San Diego area and will be introduced to current legal and ethical issues in archaeological curation as well as the concerns and rights of culturally affiliated groups with regard to archaeological materials.

Development and Marketing

Under the direction of Center staff, the intern will support the department in various activities, including, but not limited to, fundraising and grant research; e-newsletter development; social media marketing; and website maintenance. This internship will give the intern valuable, real-world experience in non-profit fundraising and marketing.

Geographical Information Systems in Archaeology

Prospective Interns must have completed three courses: Introduction to GIS, GIS Database Management, and Intermediate/Advanced Methods in GIS. The intern will be assigned a project where they will create shapefiles and maps for curated archaeological collections, museum exhibits, and/or public outreach using ArcGIS 10.6. Center staff will instruct the intern on archaeological GIS laboratory procedures such as computer cataloguing, storage requirements, and database management.

Library Science

With the assistance of Center staff, the intern will arrange and catalog materials in the Center’s library. During the course of the internship, the intern will take a leading role in the cataloging, sorting and storing of research files and creating user guides for these collections. Center staff will instruct the intern on archival procedures, computer cataloging, storage requirements, and preventative conservation.

Public Archaeology

Harness your passion for Public Archaeology and gain hands-on experience with K-12 museum field trips, lectures, and public outreach. Additional projects may include creating virtual museum exhibits and activities, assisting in the development and implementation of K-12 curricula programs, planning and presenting public facing content, or educational field trip content of your own design. Must be able to pass a Live Scan.