About Us

We believe Public Archaeology is the future of CRM.
 

ASM Public Archaeology develops community-based outreach programs to integrate the disciplines of archaeology and conservation to foster a greater understanding of cultural identity, preservation of the past, and to apply innovative approaches to future conservation practices.

Melissa Belk is the Director of Public Archaeology. She holds an MSc in Mediterranean Archaeology focusing on Egyptian archaeology from the Ptolemaic period. She has over 15 years of experience working in formal and informal education for the Natural History Museum London, the Los Angeles Zoo, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, and at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. In these roles, she curated and digitized learning collections, developed curriculum and lesson plans, taught K-12 workshops, and facilitated hands-on learning experiences accessible to people of all ages.

Jen Aguilar is an Educator Program Developer with ASM Public Archaeology. She has over a decade of experience in informal education across various institutions in the greater Los Angeles area. Her work centers on creating engaging, inclusive learning experiences that spark curiosity, foster meaningful connections between people and place, and celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of the communities she serves. Jen is passionate about creating educational experiences that will inspire people of all ages to share their thoughts, stories, and questions.