Welcome

Since 1987, the Kelso Archaeological Conference has brought together researchers interested in the prehistory and history of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts. The original focus on Mojave Desert prehistoric archaeology has been expanded to include the Colorado Desert and the historical period as well. The conference has been held at varying locations in or near the California deserts in 1987-1989, 1991-2003, 2007, 2015, 2017, 2019. The founders, mostly based at the University of California, Riverside, "expressed a need to get together, share information, ideas, and work in progress, develop research directions for the Mojave, criticize each other's work and that of others, and, not incidentally, to drink beer and have a good time" (Everson and Schneider 1993:iii) 

Typically, the conference spans two days and may include field visits. Attendance is limited to authors and co-authors of papers. Presentations do not have a time limit and informal discussion is encouraged.