Hands on History

Track down the Hands on History touch cart to get a real feel for the ancient world and learn about the many things that connect us to the past. You can also explore more about people of the past and how they lived in our Discovery Center.

Note: The Hands on History cart is wheeled out every Thursday.

Unearth and Explore Sundays

Archaeologists, Indigenous teaching artists, and historians lead special projects and hands-on activities on select Sundays at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm.

March 16—Artifact Preservation

Join Historian Anne Collier of the University of La Verne Cultural and Natural Collections for a hands-on activity about artifact preservation.

April 13—Acorns and Oak Galls Dye Workshop

Reveal beautiful browns and dark purple dyes from the plant life offered to us by the land in the Tovaangar (Los Angeles) with Meztli Projects. Guests will create their own hand-dyed bandana to take home.

May 18—Clapper Stick

Join teaching artist Lazaro Arvizu of the Gabrielino/Tongva in making a "Clapper Stick," a musical instrument that is Indigenous Californian with wood, paint, and fibers.

June 8—Chachaanke' Game Activity

Join teaching artist Virginia Carmelo in celebrating the culture and language of the Gabrielino/Tongva people. Decorate game pieces and learn how to play the traditional game of Chachaanke' while listening to a song in the Tongva language.

Archaeology Dig – CLOSED THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY

Imagine you are an archaeologist at the Archaeology Dig! Sift and sort to find replicas of ancient artifacts buried beneath the sand, weigh and examine your findings, and analyze clues to discover what we have in common with people who lived three thousand years ago.

The Archaeology Dig is open Saturdays and Sundays until 4:15 pm, weather permitting.

If you reserve 3:00–4:00 pm tickets to Noah’s Ark at the Skirball, please plan to visit the Dig beforehand.