Our Value to the Community
SLOCAS provides and operates a Research and Collections facility for the archival storage of archaeological collections. We support research conducted by the archaeological community through access to collections archived at the Facility, a publication series, and outreach to the general public.
Our Mission is to:
- Educate and inform about archaeology, anthropology and related subjects, as they pertain to California in general and to San Luis Obispo County in particular
- Promote conservation of archaeological sites, records and collections
- Maintain a library
- Encourage the adoption of archaeological resource preservation guidelines and legal requirements
SLOCAS’ core responsibility is to provide a secure facility for state, county and local agencies, as well as CRM consultants, to curate archaeological collections in compliance with federal and state laws.
Our vision also includes:
- Achieve financial security
- Aid, foster, and promote the understanding and appreciation of archaeology, archaeological history, and anthropology of California’s Central Coast through the publication of a bimonthly newsletter, a user-friendly web site, and annual membership meetings
- Make collections available for research to foster a deep understanding of human history through the science of archaeology, history, and the cultural artifacts
SLOCAS short term and long term goals and objectives, as determined by the Board (summer 2014) —
- Financial stability of SLOCAS and its Facility
- Ensure the long-term viability of the Facility at its current location
- Continue SLOCAS’ publication series
- Facilitate access to collections and research library
- Establish consistent and timely communication with our stakeholders, customers, and educational institutions
- Maintain Facility and Curation 80%
- Public Outreach and Communications 45%
- Promote Archaeological Principles 95%
Newsletter & Publications
Members receive our newsletter, The Artifact, which keeps them up to date with news, events, and reprints of national articles of interest.
A selection of 
publications is available for purchase, including publications based on the California State Water Project, Coastal Branch Series.
View Publications
SLOCAS accepts collections from SLO County and the Central Coast
Curation
Submissions
Collections must be hand-delivered to the Facility. The submitter must contact SLOCAS at least two weeks prior to the submittal date to make an appointment.
Fees
Fees are charged based on cubic feet and include paperwork and oversized objects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How else can I get involved in archaeology?
USFS Passport in Time (PIT) is a volunteer archaeology and historic preservation program of the US Forest Service
CASSP is the California Archaeological Site Stewardship Program, where trained volunteers work with professional archaeologists to protect archaeological and historical resources by regularly visiting sites and recording changes.
Does SLOCAS have archaeological lesson plans and materials for teachers?
Yes! We have lesson plans developed for grades 4-6, which can be adapted for other audiences. Please contact SLOCAS for more information.
How do I become a member?
SLOCAS has two membership categories: General Membership and Registered Researcher Join
How is SLOCAS funded?
We are funded through the curation fees charged for archiving.
Can I attend a meeting or special event?
Join SLOCAS to attend field trips, lectures, and other special events. View membership details here.
Can anyone view the collections and visit the SLOCAS facility?
Is it ok to collect artifacts?
If you encounter artifacts in your own backyard or elsewhere in our open space, please leave the artifacts where you found them. Feel free to take a photograph or two to remember the artifact(s).
So much evidence of past human activities (artifacts) has been removed over time and now resides in closets and garages, forever disconnected from its original context and meaning. So let’s leave things where and as we find them. View more