The Department of Anthropology at the California Academy of Sciences was established in 1900, and, in keeping with the tenet of the early Academy, focused on Native California. Today, the research collection encompasses ethnographic and archaeological materials from around the globe, documenting the diversity of human cultures and the ways in which our species has adapted to Earth's varying environments.
The Department also undertakes field research, such as that of Research Associate Dr. Zeresenay Alemseged into human evolution. Dr. Alemseged's 2000 discovery "Selam"—the skeletal remains of a 3.3 million-year-old Australopithecus afarensis child—continues to significantly advance our understanding of the evolution of our species.
Our collections span the globe, with current strengths highlighting California basketry, the U.S. Southwest, and the Pacific Islands.
The Department of Anthropology houses a collection of hominin fossil and comparative casts that are available for reference by visiting researchers and students.
Learn more about our areas of focus—active, ongoing research that seeks to answer some of the biggest questions in the field.
See where our research takes us and learn about some of the exciting discoveries we've made thus far.
Members of the Department of Anthropology cover a range of academic foci and expertise.
Anthropology Department Receives Native American and Oceanian Donations
Academy Exhibit Highlights Research in Human Evolution
Academy Curator of Anthropology Meets President Obama
To read these and other departmental news stories, click here.
Learn more about our department and its history at the Academy.
How to access our collections, donate objects, apply for an internship, and more.
Our department publishes articles in scientific journals, contributes chapters to books, and produces select collection catalogs.
General inquiries:
anthropology@calacademy.org
Collections inquiries:
Laura Eklund
leklund@calacademy.org
(415) 379-5383
Stay curious—every Thursday at NightLife. Sign up for event updates and exciting announcements.
Sign up for the Academy’s monthly newsletter and get a promo code for 10% off at our online retail store.
The Academy is facing unprecedented financial challenges due to our temporary closure. Please consider making a gift today to support the nearly 40,000 animals under our living roof—and the heroic biologists continuing to care for them every day.