SAA 91st Annual Meeting

The 91st Annual Meeting will be held April 29, 2026 – May 3, 2026 in San Francisco, CA.

The program is composed of general sessions, symposium, forums, debates, lightning rounds, posters, and workshops. The SAA Annual Meeting is the largest gathering of archaeologists of the Americas, and it offers unparalleled networking opportunities in its exhibit hall, excursions, and receptions and career-development opportunities.

The meeting has a wide audience that ranges from anyone who has interest in archaeology to experts in the field. Attendees come from all over the United States and from over 45 countries! With a wide variety of presentations and events, attendees are able to learn something new, meet new contacts, and reconnect with old friends.
When
4/29/2026 - 5/3/2026
Where
San Francisco, CA 94102 UNITED STATES
Registration
Advance registration has now closed. On-site registration will be available upon arrival.

Program

Wednesday, 29 April 2026

Description
Geoarchaeology and Coastal Landscape Evolution: Russian River to San Francisco Bay
This field trip will examine how tectonic processes, Quaternary sea-level fluctuations, coastal erosion, and Holocene geomorphic processes have created this dramatic landscape. After a two-hour drive north from San Francisco, several stops will be made, one of which will require hiking up to 2 km. Attendees are encouraged to bring a bottle of water and will be making a stop for lunch.
Time
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
8:00 AM
Provenance and Beyond: A Practical Guide to Archaeometric Research at MURR
Instructors: Brandi MacDonald,  Virginie Renson,  James Davenport, Wesley Stoner, Jeffrey Ferguson,  Alejandro Figueroa, Chad Rankle, and Whitney Goodwin

Do you have questions about provenance research? Have you ever considered undertaking chemical analysis but not sure where to start? Are you curious about what techniques and training opportunities are available to students and early-career researchers or to those looking to broaden their use of archaeological science? Come join the team of experts from the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR for a workshop that will cover a wide range of provenance topics and collaborative research opportunities. We will discuss the use of methods including neutron activation analysis (NAA), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and elemental and isotopic analysis by mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS, MC-ICP-MS) and how these can be applied to varied archaeological materials—from ceramics and obsidian, to glasses, glazes, metals, pigments, and enamel. We will also discuss aspects of our legacy NAA databases and the Lab’s data management policies, our NSF-funded opportunities for education and training, and our NSF subsidy program for researchers in academic and nonprofit organizations. A pre-workshop survey will be circulated to all registered participants in advance of the workshop to inform the organizers of specific questions, topics, and issues for discussion. Workshop organizers will use this information to help guide the content. The topics will either be covered in the main content of the workshop or through a Q&A session with Archaeometry Lab specialists.

Proposed Learning Objectives:
Participants will gain an understanding of the fundamental concepts and methods involved in provenance studies and the scientific methods available at the Archaeometry Lab, advantages and disadvantages of different techniques, the range of materials that can be analyzed by varied techniques, best practices for sample selection and preparation, basic analytical procedures and statistical routines for elemental data, knowledge of existing regional databases for comparative materials, and education and training opportunities at MURR. Participants will learn about the Archaeometry Lab’s Data Management Plan, our legacy databases, and the various ways in which original research is produced, disseminated, and managed for future scholarly reuse. Participants will learn about the various educational and training opportunities for early career researchers: support for undergrads, graduate students, postdoctoral research fellows, and visiting scholars. Participants will learn about the Lab’s NSF-subsidized mini-proposal program and get tips on how to conceptualize and frame an archaeometric research project.
  • the fundamental concepts involved in provenance studies.
  • methods utilized in elemental and isotopic analyses.
  • advantages and disadvantages of different techniques.
  • the range of materials that can be analyzed by varied techniques.
  • best practices for sample selection and preparation.
  • basic analytical procedures and statistical routines for elemental data.
  • knowledge of existing regional databases for comparative materials.
  • education and training opportunities at MURR.
Time
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
8:30 AM
Climate Change and Cultural Heritage in the Bay: A Trip to Angel Island
The views from Angel Island capture iconic and stunning imagery of San Francisco and the San Francisco Bay. Accessible by ferry, Angel Island State Park has an enduring history, beginning with several thousand years of Native Californian occupation. Home to military facilities during the Civil War and World War II and the Angel Island Immigration Station, the island is known as the “Ellis Island of the West.” Local archaeologist Alex DeGeorgey will be our guide on the island. He will discuss human occupations and climate-change impacts on the island’s natural and cultural resources. Recent archaeological studies incorporating 3D modeling have identified sea-level rise and wave action as threats to shorelines and cliff bases in the San Francisco Bay region. Themes for the excursion include adaptation/mitigation efforts and climate-change-focused educational programming by California State Parks. A second ferry ride will take us from Angel Island to Tiburon for lunch. Time will be given for participants to purchase their own lunch. Our return trip by bus, stops at Golden Gate Vista Point with its view of the Golden Gate Bridge, which we’ll cross on the way back to the meeting hotel.
Time
8:45 AM - 4:00 PM
8:45 AM
Navigating Book Publishing in Archaeology
Instructors: Mary Puckett, Allyson Carter; and Darrin Pratt,

This workshop will offer valuable insights for attendees regarding the process of book publishing. With the aim of demystifying the publication process for archaeologists at various career stages, participants will learn best practices for identifying the right publisher, pitching a book idea to an editor and preparing a proposal, how to navigate the peer-review process, and tips for book promotion after publication. Whether you’re a graduate student or an established researcher, this workshop provides essential guidance for navigating archaeological publishing.

Proposed Learning Objectives:
  • Identifying appropriate publishers
  • Preparing a proposal or book manuscript for submission
  • Stages and timeline of the publication process
Time
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
2:00 PM

Thursday, 30 April 2026

Description
Distinguishing Human from Nonhuman Animal Bone in Archaeological Context
Co-sponsored by the Zooarchaeology Interest Group (ZIG) and Bioarchaeology Interest Group (BIG)

Instructor: Dr. James T. Watson

Co-sponsored by the Zooarchaeology Interest Group (ZIG) and Bioarchaeology Interest Group (BIG), distinguishing human from nonhuman animal bones in archaeological contexts can have significant legal, ethical, and analytical implications. Identification can be particularly problematic when remains are fragmentary or from juvenile individuals. In addition to obvious differences in skeletal anatomy between species, human bone structure has evolved to be less dense overall compared to other mammals. Historically, the misidentification of bone in field settings has led to the unwitting curation of human remains in zooarchaeological ("bulk") collections. This workshop is designed to provide some of the basics to help field practitioners with identification. Familiarity with anatomy and osteology is helpful for this workshop but not required. Pictures and specimens of non-archaeological human remains are incorporated into this workshop to help train participants.

Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will become familiar with human and nonhuman animal anatomy and osteology
  • Participants will understand basic criteria for distinguishing human from nonhuman animal bone on a variety of skeletal elements
Time
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
9:00 AM
Oakland Beer and History Brewery Crawl
Drink your way through the history of the East Bay on this exclusive brewery crawl limited to just 20 people! Join beer connoisseur Dr. Stephen McElroy on a guided beer tasting of three of the Bay Area’s best breweries located in Oakland’s downtown and Jack London Square. Between breweries, historian and raconteur Mr. Richard Schwartz will bring the archaeological and historical past alive. Transportation between the meeting hotel and the breweries on BART (and with the guides) is included. Drinkers will need to be able to walk approximately three miles in an urban environment. This exclusive crawl is limited to 20 people over the age of 21 years. Three notable breweries in the historic Jack London Square and downtown areas of Oakland will be featured with a guided tasting led by Dr. McElroy: Original Pattern Brewing or Oakland United Beerworks, Cellarmaker Brewery, and Sante Adairius Rustic Ales. In the walk between breweries, Mr. Schwartz will bring the archaeological and historical past alive, pointing out points of interest above and below the ground.
Time
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
12:00 PM

Friday, 01 May 2026

Description
Resume Writing, Interview Skills, and Career Growth in Cultural Resources Management
Instructors: Stefan Brannan, Sarah Herr, Rigden Glaab, and Samantha Schell

This interactive workshop is designed to prepare students, early career professionals, and established professionals to apply for jobs and to set yourself apart in cultural resource management (CRM). The workshop will consist of an opening presentation covering tips and advice and small group feedback on participants’ resumes, cover letters, and interview skills by multiple established archaeologists involved with hiring at CRM firms.

Learning Objectives:
  • Prepare participants to apply for jobs and promotions.
  • Teach participants how to write effective application materials.
  • Prepare attendees for interviews with current and future employers.
  • Provide feedback to attendees on their application materials.
Time
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
9:00 AM
San Francisco Presidio Archaeology Lab Tour: Behind the Scenes
Join Presidio Trust archaeologists for a behind-the-scenes look the state-of-the-art Presidio Archaeology Lab and Collections Facility in the Presidio of San Francisco. The excursion also includes a guided tour of exhibits in the Presidio Officers' Club providing in-depth graphic and textual information about the Presidio’s history from 1776 to the present. The Presidio Officers' Club is one of the oldest buildings in San Francisco and the last standing portion of the original Spanish colonial site of El Presidio de San Francisco. Current archaeological research at the Presidio focuses on the colonial archaeological site buried just in front of the Officers' Club as well as many other sites in other parts of the Presidio. Food trucks will be available on site if attendees are interested in purchasing lunch on the excursion.
Time
9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
9:30 AM
Effective Historic Preservation Advocacy for the Twenty-First Century
Instructors: Suanna Crowley, Sarah Love, Allyson Brooks, David Lindsay

The Society for American Archaeology’s government affairs program serves as the organization’s collective advocacy voice, defending the archaeological record and archaeological jobs before Congress, federal agencies, and state and international bodies. In this time of unprecedented challenges, we recognize the need to harness digital media to support an engaged community. This workshop invites members to better understand the advocacy work of the SAA and to work together as an engaged community to strengthen that voice through coordinated messaging, digital tool kits, and strategies to increase member participation in our advocacy work. This workshop will inform our community on how to make their voices heard through a variety of methods inclusive of both public and non-public-facing platforms.

Learning Objective:
Educating attendees on how to use digital media to advocate for the archaeological record in the United States and internationally
Time
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
1:00 PM
From Peer Review to Viral Views: A TED-Style Talk on Archaeology in the Digital Age
Instructor: Milo Rossi

In an era when archaeological misinformation spreads faster than peer-reviewed research, professional archaeologists face an unprecedented challenge: how to effectively communicate our discipline to audiences around the world. Come hear Milo Rossi (Miniminuteman), creator of the largest independent archaeology channel on social media with three million subscribers and more than one billion views. His work democratizes ancient knowledge, debunks misinformation and pseudoscience, and has been featured by National Geographic, Ohio History Connection, and the Penn Museum.

This presentation will provide SAA members with practical strategies for transforming rigorous archaeological scholarship into engaging digital content that reaches mainstream audiences while maintaining scientific integrity. Participants will learn how to make complex archaeological concepts accessible to broad audiences while combating the pseudoscientific narratives that often dominate online spaces. Through case studies and practical examples, attendees will discover how to adapt their expertise for video content, engage with challenging topics like pseudoarchaeology, and contribute to a more informed public discourse about human history.

Following the presentation, Milo will take questions about digital methodology, public engagement strategies, and navigating the challenges of science communication in the digital age.

Quench your thirst for strategies and ideas. There will be a cash bar outside of the room.
Time
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
6:30 PM

Saturday, 02 May 2026

Description
A Visit to the Emeryville and West Berkeley Shellmounds: Remembering and Commemorating Lisjan Heritage
In collaboration with representatives of the Confederated Villages of Lisjan, the Community-Engaged Heritage Practices Interest Group is planning a Tribal-led field trip to and discussion of the care, commemoration, and renewal of two important locations in Lisjan territory, the Emeryville and West Berkeley Shellmounds. Although most of the aboveground parts of these mounds were razed during the early twentieth century by settlers for commercial, development, and archaeological purposes, they are important, sacred places to the Lisjan Nation. Our first stop will be at the Emeryville Shellmound, where the Emeryville Memorial will form the focus of a discussion of this location’s history, including a critical discussion of its commemoration. The second stop at the West Berkeley Shellmound will address the Nation’s plans for a cultural center at this location; here we will learn how the center will be tied to the deep history of the shellmound and its relationship to the surrounding landscape and river systems. At the conclusion of the excursion, the group will go for lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the meeting hotel. Participants should bring bottled water with them as the excursion will be outside and include BART and walking.
Time
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
8:00 AM
Sediment Core Analyses for Landscape and Human Ecodynamics Reconstruction
Instructor: Isabel Rivera-Collazo

This introductory hands-on workshop equips participants with practical skills to use sediment cores in reconstructing past landscapes and human–environment interactions. Participants will learn how to select sampling locations, extract sediment cores in the field, and properly open and preserve them for analysis. The workshop covers core description techniques—such as stratigraphy, texture, color, and composition—and introduces key laboratory methods, including magnetic susceptibility, loss-on-ignition, grain-size analysis, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF), highlighting how each contributes to the interpretation of sedimentary records. The session also introduces basic chronological tools, including radiocarbon dating and age–depth modeling, to help participants frame their findings in a temporal context. In the final segment, participants will discuss how to interpret and present results in archaeological contexts. Designed for those with limited geoarchaeological training, the workshop emphasizes practical, field-ready approaches to integrating sediment cores into archaeological research.

Learning Objectives:
Participants will learn how to select sampling locations, extract sediment cores in the field, and properly open and preserve them for analysis. The workshop covers core description techniques—such as stratigraphy, texture, color, and composition—and introduces key laboratory methods, including magnetic susceptibility, loss-on-ignition, grain-size analysis, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF), highlighting how each contributes to the interpretation of sedimentary records.
Time
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
8:00 AM
Exploring Time, Nature, and Culture: Inside the California Academy of Sciences
This excursion offers a unique immersion into the California Academy of Sciences (CAS)—the largest and oldest natural history museum west of the Mississippi. Attendees will experience firsthand the crucial role of anthropological archaeology in museums; explore public education and research innovations, reconceptualizing human-environment interactions; and discover the innovative, interdisciplinary programs led by the CAS Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability. Highlights include an exclusive showing of the new “Timescapes” planetarium show at Morrison Planetarium, which explores the San Francisco Bay’s geological and human past, present, and visions of the future. Visualizations in the show draw from the Academy’s collections, with input from science advisors and Native Ohlone experts collaborating with the award-winning CAS Viz Studio team. Behind-the-scenes tours grant rare access to these collections—with options to visit Anthropology’s ethnographic holdings or Ornithology & Mammalogy specimens for zooarchaeological reference. Attendees will also learn about the Anthropology Department’s storied history, from its early twentieth-century foundation under A. L. Kroeber, its pause after the 1906 earthquake and fire, its resurgence in the 1970s, and present-day commitment to interdisciplinary science and Indigenous collaboration. As time allows, guests can explore signature exhibits like "California: State of Nature," the Living Roof, and the Steinhart Aquarium.
Time
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
9:00 AM

ATTENTION! BEWARE OF HOUSING POACHERS!

The Society for American Archaeology (SAA) has learned of a company that is attempting to do business with SAA exhibitors and attendees by soliciting them for sleeping rooms in regard to the SAA Annual Meeting. The SAA does not endorse booking hotel reservations via another company or source. The only authorized sources for making hotel room reservations for the annual meeting is the SAA website and with the hotel directly.

If you receive any solicitations either via email or telephone from other third parties/vendors incorrectly identifying themselves as an official SAA housing representative or member of exhibition services, we ask that you please delete the message immediately, ignore any further requests, and contact the SAA’s executive director immediately at +1 (202) 559-4580.