Archaeology:

objects from people of the past

The archaeological collections consist of artifactual and ecofactual material from historical and prehistoric archaeological sites. The majority of the prehistoric artifacts are lithic, although some items made from vegetable or animal products are present. The historical material consists primarily of metal and glass items, although a few wood items are also present.

The archaeological collections include assemblages from research conducted by archaeological avocational groups, professional archaeologists conducting private research, cultural resource management (CRM) contracts, and from donations. Our curation facility is accepted by the federal government as an official repository for site assemblages removed from federal lands. Additional assemblages are the result of valid professional research completed with appropriate permits.

The Hall of History contains artifacts from Newberry Cave, the Calico Site, bifaces from several sites in the western United States, an Archaic display, a science and archaeology display, and a lithic technology display.

• Pre-projectile Period: before 18,000 BC (before 20,000 years ago)

• Late Pleistocene Period: 18,000 to 8,000 BC (20,000 to 10,000 years ago)

• Archaic Period: 8,000 to 2,000 BC (10,000 to 4,000 years ago)

• Intermediate Period: 2,000 BC to AD 500 (4,000 to 1,500 years ago)

• Late Period: AD500 to AD 1700 (1,500 to 300 years ago)

• Historic Period: AD 1700 to present (300 years ago to the present)

To learn more about an ongoing archaeological project, visit Friends of the Calico Early Man Site

To learn how to become a volunteer in archaeology, contact Adella Schroth or submit the volunteer form.