News and Events
Check here or our Facebook page for up-to-date news and events.
Upcoming
San Diego Archaeological Center Living Room Lecture: Polynesian Contact with the Americas
The possibility of prehistoric Polynesian contact with the Americas has been considered by historians, archaeologists, and other scholars for centuries.
Join Dr. Terry Jones on Thursday, March 18, 2021 to learn about recent genetic studies that challenge longstanding ideas. The event will be held on Zoom, and is part of the San Diego Archaeological Center’s Living Room Lecture series. Space is limited! Click here for more information.
Ongoing
Listen to a presentation by Chad Jackson, California State Parks San Luis Obispo Coast District associate state archaeologist on the archaeology of San Luis Obispo county. Click here to listen to the fascinating history of our central coast.
Check out the Archaeological Conservancy’s 2020 Virtual Lecture Series: Click here to view the series, including a presentation by Cory D. Wilkins, MBA, who shares some of the history, stories, and artifacts from around California.
The Archaeological Institute of America offers many resources, including webinars and lecture series. Click here to visit their website for more information.
San Diego Archaeological Center has past lectures available on their website. Click here to view their “Museum at Home” virtual lectures.
SLOCAS is on Facebook! Follow us on Facebook to stay in touch, learn about upcoming events and archaeological news, and job alerts. Click here to be directed to our page or search for @SLOarchaeology on Facebook.
Our Value to the Community
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
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
- 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
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
Fees

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?
How is SLOCAS funded?
Can I attend a meeting or special event?
Can anyone view the collections and visit the SLOCAS facility?
Is it ok to collect artifacts?
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