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Archaeology at the Presidio

The Presidio Archaeology Program explores what’s beneath it all…the extraordinary historical record just under our feet. Archaeological research is part of nearly every project at the Presidio and reveals who lived here and how things changed over centuries.

 

While archaeology studies the past, it is a lively and engaging part of the Presidio’s present. A state-of-the-art archaeology lab and curation facility is now preparing to open on the Main Post next to a newly rehabilitated Officers’ Club. Visitors can also see recently discovered features at El Polin Spring, an outdoor classroom revealing the Presidio’s history.
 
The Presidio Trust archaeology program undertakes research with academic partners, hosts educational programs for school children, offers workshops for professional archaeologists, and will soon relaunch its volunteer program at the new Presidio Archaeology Lab.

In the Spotlight

Cover of the Archaeology program's winter newsletter, ARCHNotes.

ARCHNotes: The Presidio Archaeology Lab's Newsletter

In the latest issue of ARCHNotes, learn all about archaeological testing at MacArthur Meadow, interesting artifacts found around the Presidio and archaeology interns’ projects. Read More >>

For Kids + Teachers

A photo of a young boy using a mortar and pestle to grind corn.

After School Programs

After school programs create meaningful educational park experiences for young students.
A photo of a boy and a girl crouched on the ground making adobe bricks with mud.

Field Trips

During the school year, elementary and middle school groups come out for field trips.
A photo of a circle of kids sitting on the ground looking at artifacts.

Summer Camps

This slate of unusual programs expand kids' minds.

Get Involved

A photo of two interns with a supervisor surveying an area.

Internships

Students enrich their educational experience and develop their chosen career path.
A group of adults watch as one man digs a plot along a grid lines and another explains how to use a piece of equipment.

Workshops

Teachers and other professionals learn new tools through collaborative programs.
A photo of two hands cleaning dirt from an artifact using a small metal tool.

Volunteer Opportunities

The popular archaeology volunteer program will start again when the lab formally reopens.

What We Do

A photo of a Presidio Trust archaeologist working in the Officers' Club while speaking to a reporter.

The Presidio Archaeology Program strives to demonstrate leadership in the field of archaeology and to increase the public's understanding of our shared cultural heritage.
 

 Upcoming Events

 
May
24
Art and Culture, Exhibitions, History and Archaeology, Talks and Lectures
​Explore the past, present, and future of the Presidio - a...
May
25
Walks and Tours, History and Archaeology
Come explore the changes that are being made on the...
May
25
Art and Culture, Exhibitions, History and Archaeology, Talks and Lectures
​Explore the past, present, and future of the Presidio - a...

The Sites

Archaeology is in action at several sites around the Presidio.

The Artifacts

A sherd of clay pottery that is a red color with a black jagged design painted on it.

See the Finds

Archaeologists have recovered an amazing array of artifacts from locations throughout the Presidio.

    The Lab

    Logo for the Presidio Archaeology Lab

    Coming Soon

    A state-of-the-art archaeology laboratory and curation facility is taking shape near the Officers' Club.
       

       Contact Us

       

      Presidio Archaeology Lab
      (a program of the Presidio Trust)
      49 Moraga Avenue
      T: (415) 561-2724
      E: archaeology@presidiotrust.gov