California State University, NorthridgeCalifornia State University, Northridge
October 9, 1996
Contact: Carmen Ramos Chandler,
(818) 677-2130
cchandlerE@exec.csun.edu
The trip, under the direction of CSUN archaeologist Mark Raab, will take place Nov. 8-10, and will include visits to the sites of the earliest known human occupation on the island and lectures by university archaeologists on Channel Islands archaeology.
Raab, Director of the Northridge Center for Public Archaeology, has conducted extensive research on prehistoric maritime adaptations in the Channel Islands.
Travelers will go by boat to Empire Landing, the site of a 14th century rock quarry and source of the steatite (soapstone) made into figures and bowls for trade with groups on the mainland; then on to Two Harbors, on the island's isthmus, to see ancient shell middens, the remnants of a prehistoric and historic village.
Other highlights include a visit to the oldest known site on the island, Little Harbor, the bluff where natives watched for fish and marine mammals; an exclusive guided tour of the Catalina Island Museum; and a stop at the historic Santa Catalina Island Airport, which houses a collection of archaeological artifacts and an exhibition on the islands natural history.
Travelers will stay at the Hotel Metropole, in the heart of Avalon and footsteps from the beach.
For more information, call the CSUN Alumni Association at (818) 677-2137.