The San Diego Archaeological Center is the only organization in San Diego County dedicated to the care, management and use ('curation') of archaeological artifacts found throughout the San Diego region. The Center's vision is to sustain an archaeological center and museum where artifacts
- will be cared for in a state-of-the-art environment
- are available for further academic and professional research
- are used in educational programs and museum exhibits so the public can enjoy learning about the prehistory and history of the San Diego region through educational programs and museum quality exhibits.
To quote from the State of California, Office of Historic Preservation, 2006-2010 Update of the California Comprehensive Statewide Historic Preservation Plan:
"Curation policy in California is presently a patchwork of federal standards and inconsistently applied consensus standards among the state, local governments, consultants, nonprofit organizations, Native American groups, and the general public. Regional curation successes like the nonprofit San Diego Archaeological Center facility are rare exceptions to a widespread pattern in which important elements of California’s heritage legacy that are literally strewn across the state in boxes, bags, and binders in various warehouses, office storage rooms, and private residences.
OHP can help alleviate what is often referred to in the State’s archaeological community as the “curation crisis” through the transparent development of a coherent curation policy. Such a policy would likely seek to build on the success of organizations like the San Diego Archaeological Center and create a partnership network among such organizations, the State, and private consulting firms."
Mission
The
mission of the San Diego Archaeological Center is to preserve archaeological collections and promote
their educational, scientific and cultural use to benefit a diverse public.
Vision
- To have the resources to accept and preserve archaeological artifacts and to make them available for research and education;
- To work in partnership with American Indians, cultural groups and other communities we serve;
- To foster a deeper understanding of human history through the science of archaeology and the cultural artifacts that remain;
- To share our knowledge and experience as a model dedicated to cultural preservation.
Programs
Curation
of archaeological collections, public exhibits, quarterly newsletter,
public lecture series, curation volunteer training, student
internships, research opportunities and cultural renewal.
