Join us in-person at Catalyst Creative Collective in the Tucson Mall, Tuesday, March 4, 2025, when Martin H. Welker (Assistant Professor of Anthropology & Assistant Curator of Zooarchaeology) will discuss “Sled Dogs in the Southwest: Fact or Fable?” Domestic dogs have become deeply embedded in a variety of specialized roles within human societies, many of which require extensive behavioral and physiological adaptation. In the Southwest, dogs reportedly served as a source of transport labor facilitating trade between the Plains and the Southwest. Dr. Welker, will explore the evidence.
Directions:
Catalyst Creative Collective is located on the First Floor of the Tucson Mall (Oracle & Wetmore)
SAACA’s Catalyst Creative Collective is located on the lower level West wing of Tucson Mall, in the former Gap and Gap Kids space between Sears and Dillard’s. IT is officially space 110. Tucson Mall is located near the intersection of Oracle and Wetmore Rds.
Parking:
The closest parking is near the Southwest corner of the parking lot between Sears and JCPenney. The entrance to the mall is between the two stores (Mall entrance 3). When you enter, CATALYST is just ahead and to the right. Look for the long glass windows with CATALYST marked above the door.
Download the map & directions here »
Can’t join us live?
No problem! About a week after each café, we’ll post videos of each presentation to the video archive on our website and to our YouTube channel. We’ll share links on our Facebook and in our Preservation Archaeology Today and This Month at Archaeology Southwest email newsletters.
About Archaeology Café
Presented by Archaeology Southwest, a nonprofit organization that explores and protects heritage places while honoring their diverse values, Archaeology Café is an informal forum that brings lifelong learners together with experts.
About this season
Dogs! Exploring Canine Cultural Histories in North America
Unleash your curiosity at the 2024–2025 season of Archaeology Café: Dogs! This season, we’re diving into the fascinating relationship between humans and canines. Join us as we explore this enduring bond across time and cultures.
Experts in archaeology, zooarchaeology, and biology will guide us through six paw-some lectures, covering everything from the role of dogs in past societies to their impact on art, stories, and daily life. Whether you’re a dog lover or just eager to learn, this series will be a real treat!
Join us in person at the vibrant Catalyst in Tucson Mall from October through April (skipping January). Doors open at 5:30 p.m., where you’ll be greeted with charcuterie, libations, and great company—and well-behaved pups are welcome to come, too. Programs start at 6:00 p.m. Can’t make it to Catalyst? Don’t worry! You can still fetch the talks on our YouTube channel a few days later.
Get ready for a barking good time as we learn more about our loyal four-legged companions. Mark your calendars—this is one Archaeology Café season you won’t want to miss!
We’ll see you there—paws and all!
See this season’s postcard »
Dog sledges of the Mandan Indians. Illustration: Karl Bodme (artist) and Louis René Lucien Rollet (etcher), courtesy of the Library of Congress.
Archaeology Café is made possible by BMO.