The San Bernardino County Museum’s Agua Mansa Archaeological Field School received certification from the Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA) on March 20, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the program’s academic and professional standing.As the region’s only local archaeological field school offered in the past decade, the program provides students with a rare opportunity to gain hands-on training in archaeological and museum methods close to home. The certification affirms the program’s rigor and quality while making participating students eligible for competitive RPA scholarships.An archaeological field school is a hands-on learning experience where students develop practical skills outside the traditional classroom. At Agua Mansa Pioneer Cemetery, participants work alongside cultural heritage professionals to document, research and preserve one of Inland Southern California’s most significant historic cemeteries. The program emphasizes low-impact, ethical investigation and community-based interpretation.