Archaeological Dig, Cowell Lime Works Historic District

The goal of this project is to raise $3,000 to provide tools, oversight and instruction to students participating in a quarter-long archaeological excavation of the Cowell Lime Works Historic District.

UC Santa Cruz is the only UC with an historic district on its campus, and the Cowell Lime Works Historic District is the most complete 19th century lime-manufacturing complex in California.  The lime industry literally built our state’s cities in the late 19th century.

Last year for the first time, the Friends of the Cowell Lime Works Historic District raised funds to support an archaeological dig in the Historic District on the UC Santa Cruz campus. The Dig served as an internship for eight UCSC students and was a great experience for all involved. “I have been a part of preserving the unique history of UCSC,” wrote one student, “and no matter where I go I will always have that. I was given an opportunity to learn how to teach, manage, and lead—all of which are invaluable.”

Building on this success, the Friends are now preparing for this year’s dig, which will start April 1, 2014, and coincide with the beginning of restoration of the Hay Barn in the historic district. Any amount we raise over $3,000 will be used to pay for addtional project costs such as artifact processing and storage.

By giving to this project, you will be part of preserving the unique history of Santa Cruz and provide UCSC students the opportunity to have a quarter-long experience in archaeology.

The mission of the Friends of Cowell Lime Works  includes restoration, preservation, and educational programs within the Cowell Lime Works Historic District at UC Santa Cruz. For more information, please go to http://limeworks.ucsc.edu/.