The Friends have a long history of supporting public archaeology programs. Archaeology is a major component of the experience at the San Felipe de Austin Historic Site museum. The site is rich with future archaeology opportunities. Evacuating residents, under the direction of the Texas Militia, burned the town to prevent its capture by Santa Anna. The permanent museum exhibit displays numerous artifacts recovered. Unearthed for the first time since fire destroyed the town almost 200 years ago, professionals and volunteers have discovered ceramic ware, printing press typeface letters, a wooden toothbrush, cut coins known as bits, gunflints, fireplace bricks, a padlock, and more.

Adults and students alike will be interested in the Archaeology Lab set to open in late 2026. Original town acreage recently donated to the State in 2024 will open new opportunities for discovering more artifacts preserved in the ground since the Runaway Scrape. With only a small area of the site having been excavated thus far, it remains to be seen how future archaeology will help historians with interpretation and understanding of this important Texas site. Your support of the Friends will help ensure these efforts continue for future Texans like the student excavators shown in the video.