Michael Sampson at Marshal South Home Site in Anza-Borrego Desert SP.

Michael Sampson

Associate State Archaeologist (Retired)

Southern Service Center
8885 Rio San Diego Drive, Suite 270
San Diego, CA  92108

Information Phone: 916-653-2030

Michael P. Sampson, who works in the Southern Service Center, has been involved with California Archaeology since the time of Richard Nixon’s Presidency.  Michael has a BA degree in Anthropology from California State University, Northridge and a MA degree in Anthropology from Washington State University.  The subject of his MA thesis was stone tool function analysis that involved a lengthy experimental program.  His current research interests include, California Prehistory, stone tool technology and tool function analysis, the archaeology of the California deserts, the Contact Period in California, mining in the western U. S., California red wines, and others.  Michael is a past president of the Society for California Archaeology; in addition, he served for two years as the Society’s Southern Vice President.  Michael has also served on the Board of the San Diego County Archaeological Society and on the Board of Trustees of the San Diego Repository Corporation (now known as the San Diego Archaeological Center). He has participated on archaeological projects at historic-period and prehistoric sites throughout California for California State Parks. 

Michael Sampson retired from California State Parks in 2012.

Michael Sampson at the site of the 19th century Roundhouse in Los Angeles State Historic Park.
Michael Sampson at the site of the 19th century Roundhouse
in Los Angeles State Historic Park.