Riviera Resort & Spa - Palm Springs
March 5 - March 8, 2026

Reflections: Celebrating 60 Years

As we mark the Society for California Archaeology’s  Diamond Anniversary, we gather to reflect not only on the knowledge and insights gained through the archaeological record but on the history of our discipline itself. Much like a diamond, formed under pressure and refined over time, archaeology has undergone profound transformation over the past six decades—scientifically, intellectually, and ethically. This year’s theme speaks to two powerful facets of “Reflections”:

1. Looking back to move forward—studying the past as a vital lens through which we understand the enduring patterns of human behavior, adaptation, and ingenuity which illuminates our understanding of pressing issues of today and shapes more resilient futures.

2. Looking inward as a discipline—examining how archaeology has evolved, the legacies we inherit, the new paradigms we are forging, and the valuable relationships we are building between scientists and descendant communities which lend to fuller and more inclusive understanding.

The diamond, symbolizing clarity, endurance, and transformation, offers a powerful metaphor for our collective journey over the past 60 years. As we celebrate this important anniversary, we invite participants to reflect on the past, assess the present, and come together as stewards collaboratively shaping the future of archaeology.