SCA Burlingame 2025
Relevancy: Considering Connections Through Archaeology

We live in a digital age of accelerated social change. Ever-present social media, vast repositories of readily available information, and artificial intelligence creating new narratives are all profound technological revolutions crashing upon society. This dynamic context is causing a collective introspection on what is valued in many arenas. SCA members must lead this shift as it relates to archaeology to avoid profound and irreversible changes to our discipline and California's rich archaeological heritage. The interests of descendant communities and scientific values can meld to create a more relevant and appropriate archaeology. The SCA mission speaks to this, explicitly stating we are an “organization dedicated to research, understanding, interpretation, and conservation of the heritage of California” and we “seek to increase public appreciation and support for archaeology in California.”

The plenary theme this year, therefore, is “Relevancy.” The archaeological record is a compelling chronicle of underrepresented people, a testimony about how humans have persevered, is a source of inspiration, and provides a direct window into climate and environment with an unmatched time span. It holds powerful value as a tangible source of identity and belonging. Let us convene at our 2025 Annual Meeting to showcase our successes in how we study, understand, interpret, and conserve the archaeological record to inform future science and society. Let’s also take time to assess how to adapt and improve efforts for future archaeology in the betterment of the discipline, our world, and the SCA. Formal presentations, poster sessions, workshops, panel sessions, and lively discussion using this theme will help us work collaboratively to increase public appreciation and support for archaeology in California.