MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Camp Pendleton's Cultural Resources Branch sponsored educational archaeology seminars and tours at the historical Las Flores Ranch House, Oct. 20 and 21, in an effort to educate the community about Camp Pendleton’s historic and prehistoric past. 

More than 250 adults and children were present for the event that recognized October as California Archaeology Month.

This was a unique opportunity for military residents and the surrounding community to understand the importance of the archaeological research conducted on Camp Pendleton, said Celeste LeSuer, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Cultural Resources Branch staff archaeologist.

The seminar began with a traditional Native American blessing from Mel Vernon of the San Luis Rey Band of Luiseno Mission Indians.

The event also focused on educating participants about the culture and history of Camp Pendleton area Native Americans.

“I have lived on Camp Pendleton for more than 10 years and I never knew that it was once inhabited by Native Americans,” said Rachel M. Farwell, military spouse, Camp Pendleton. “The seminar was very informative on how rich the history is here.”

Participants received lectures from Danielle Page, Camp Pendleton’s Cultural Resources branch head,  prominent San Diego Archaeologists and personnel from the San Diego Archaeological Center and Pechanga Cultural Center.

“I can’t believe we actually got a lesson from some of the best archaeologist in California,” said Farwell. “It was far more than I expected.”

In addition to the speeches, the participants also enjoyed a song, performed by sisters Adelia and Kim Sandoval of the Juaneno Band of Mission Indians.

The event concluded with an afternoon of children’s archaeology activities and Native American interaction and story-telling.

For more information about archaeology on Camp Pendleton, contact the base's Cultural Resources Branch Office at (760) 763-6354.