Pre-Columbian Society of Washington DC

An educational organization dedicated to furthering knowledge and understanding of the peoples of the Americas before the time of Columbus.

The Pre-Columbian Society of Washington, D.C. (PCSWDC), is an educational organization dedicated to furthering knowledge and understanding of the peoples of the Americas before the time of Columbus. Founded in 1993, the Society provides a forum for the exchange of information regarding these pre-Columbian cultures between academic professionals and interested members of the public.

MONTHLY VIRTUAL LECTURES

The Pre-Columbian Society of Washington, D.C. hosts monthly illustrated presentations by professionals across the fields of archaeology, art history, anthropology, history, linguistics, and allied areas. These meetings, supported by dues-paying members, are open to all who wish to attend — modest contributions are whole-heartedly welcomed. Presently, all lectures are presented virtually on Zoom.

Meetings are held the first Friday evening of every month unless noted otherwise. Talks begin at 7:00 PM Eastern Time and are followed by brief question-and-answer sessions.

Information about our next monthly presentation is available in Events. 

Upcoming Meeting Dates

  • September 5, 2025

  • October 3

  • November—To be announced

  • December 5

  • January 9, 2026—Second Friday of the month

  • February 6

  • March—To be announced

  • April 3

  • May 8—Second Friday of the month

  • June 5—Annual meeting

Recent Monthly Lectures

  • Late Paracas and Early Nasca Hummingbirds, Hallucinogens, and Ecstatic Shamans by Lois Martin

  • Obsidian Acquisition and Use at the Capital of the Mexica Empire by Diego Matadamas-Gomora, PhD candidate

  • Malinche, according to Indians by Camilla Townsend, PhD

  • Unveiling the Ancient Secrets of the Chinchorro Mummies by Bernardo Arriaza, PhD

  • Late Classic Queens of the Snake Realm and their Role in Crafting State Politics: A View from Ancient Waka’ by Olivia C. Navarro-Farr, PhD

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