Archaeology Café · Archaeology Southwest
Archaeology has captured the American imagination for generations, but how much of what we think we know about it comes from myth, movies, and misconceptions? Researcher, author, conservationist, and cultural preservationist R. E. Burrillo takes us behind the scenes to explore archaeology’s evolution from collecting and exploration into a science, while confronting its complicated ties to nationalism, colonialism, exploitation, and cultural preservation. Through lively stories of discovery, controversy, and life in the field, Burrillo invites us to look at archaeology with fresh eyes. Together, we’ll consider not only what the past can teach us, but who gets to tell its stories, who benefits from them, and what archaeology can become in the future.
Free presentation
October 15, 2026
Presentation · 6:00–7:30 PM
6:00–7:30 PM
Take a behind-the-scenes look at archaeology through stories of discovery, controversy,
and life in the field with R.E. Burrillo. No advance registration is required.
4:00–8:00 PM
Browse the museum, archaeological trail, and Museum Store at the
reduced Thursday Evening admission rate from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
The Archaeology Café presentation is free (6:00–7:30 PM).
Museum viewing available at the reduced Thursday evening rate (4:00–8:00 PM).
