Museum Field School Earns National Archaeological Certification

San Bernardino County Museum’s Agua Mansa Archaeological Field School recently received certification from the Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA), marking a significant milestone in the program’s academic and professional standing according to a statement from the museum.

As the region’s only local archaeological field school offered in the past decade, the program provides students with a rare opportunity to gain hands-on training in archaeological and museum methods close to home. The certification affirms the program’s rigor and quality while making participating students eligible for competitive RPA scholarships.

An archaeological field school is a hands-on learning experience where students develop practical skills outside the traditional classroom. At Agua Mansa Pioneer Cemetery, participants work alongside cultural heritage professionals to document, research and preserve one of Inland Southern California’s most significant historic cemeteries. The program emphasizes low-impact, ethical investigation and community-based interpretation.

“As an archaeologist, I struggled to find a field school that could build my experience and ultimately had to go abroad at significant cost. This program fulfills San Bernardino County Museum’s mission by providing an affordable, local pathway for hands-on training while preserving and engaging with our region’s cultural heritage,” said Chief Deputy Tamara Serrao-Leiva.

Students in the program gain experience in historical research, surveying, excavation, recording, cataloging and reporting. This work supports local families and the wider community by preserving cultural heritage, enhancing public understanding and creating accessible records for descendants and historians.

The field school can be completed as a semester-long introductory experience or as a comprehensive year-long program providing full professional training. The museum continues to welcome partnerships and intends to make the site available to academic institutions through formal agreements.