The Heritage of the Americas Museum is a small facility on the campus of Cuyamaca College that highlights the natural and human history of the Americas. For such a small facility, it houses an impressive collection of artifacts from Alaska to Peru, and places in between. It also has some additional items from China.

The museum is divided into four equally-sized wings: Natural History, Archaeology, Anthropology, and Art.

Natural History

The Natural History wing highlighted geology, sea life, minerals, animals, and fossils. One of the more fun displays was the “food” made of rocks.

Archaeology

The Archeology wing focused on artifacts that were used by early humans, such as arrowheads, tools, and pottery.

Anthropology

The Anthropology focused on the items that were used in daily life, ceremonies, jewelry, and fabrics.

Art

The Art wing highlighted more contemporary western art, as well as some amazing jade carvings from China.

The volunteers on duty are more than willing to share their extensive knowledge of the collection, so be sure to ask them any questions that you may have.

The museum is adjacent to the Water Conservation Garden and, on the second Friday of the month, is free, just as the garden is.

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What You Need to Know

Location:	12110 Cuyamaca College Dr W, El Cajon, CA 92019
Transit:	MTS Bus 856
Hours:	Sunday & Monday – Closed Tuesday – Friday – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday – 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Phone:	(619) 670-5194
Website:	http://www.heritageoftheamericasmuseum.com/
Cost:	Adults (18+) – $6.00 Adults (55+) – $4.00 Youth 17 & under – Free Students with ID – Free FREE on the second Friday of each month.
Tips:	Plan on spending an hour or so in the museum, longer if you’re really into its offerings. You can take advantage of the free admission to both the Water Conservation Garden and the museum on the second Friday of each month. Between the two would make a nice 2-4 hour visit.
Date Visited:	10 January 2025