In with the old

Archeological and paleontological finds can be found in this intriguing science centre

Get exposed to southern Californian artifacts and fossils through the Western Science Center in Hemet. The building houses the archeological and paleontological finds that were made in the nearby man-made Diamond Valley Lake when it was under construction in the early 1990s.

Containing more than a million specimens, most of the fossils come from creatures that died in the last Ice Age, 12,000 years ago.

Local discoveries of artifacts and fossils are permanently on display but the museum has widened its traditional science fields and rotates other exhibits on different subjects. The current temporary exhibit, The Space Spot, focuses on astronomy and will be replaced in January 2011.

One of the exhibits that generates a lot of buzz is a simulated dig site outside on the centre’s property.

It shows the planning, care and equipment that goes into a proper archeological dig and is utilized as a teaching tool by many different schools in the area.

The building architecture is another aspect to marvel at, as it is designed to be one of the most eco-friendly museums in the country. The centre was awarded the highest rating—LEED Platinum—by the U.S. Green Building Council in 2008.