CHCP Public Archaeology Day & Merit Badge Workshop

Join the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project (CHCP), History San Jose, and Stanford University for the Public Archaeology Day & Merit Badge Workshop at History Park on October 18, 2025. The program is free and open to the public, but we are also offering Scouts an added opportunity to complete requirements for their Archaeology Merit Badge.

Archaeology is the study of artifacts, or items left behind, that tell about past human activities and culture. Archaeologists excavate to find the things that people used in the past. For example, people in San Jose's ancient Market Street Chinatown threw their trash into deep pits. These pits were rediscovered in 1985 by archaeologists during construction of the former Fairmont Hotel (now the Signia by Hilton) in downtown San Jose.

The Public Archaeology Day program allows the public to conduct hands-on demonstrations of excavations, screenings, artifact identifications, and artifact reconstructions. This family-friendly educational program offers children an opportunity to become junior archaeologists, learning about the incredible world of archaeology, while simultaneously developing an interest in our local history (recommended for grades 3 and above).

Scout leaders and others are encouraged to sign our Interest Form to receive further information as it becomes available.

Admission: Free

For Parking and Directions: visit our Museum page.