Combatting Trafficking of Antiquities

August 3-6, 2025

As one of the oldest cities in the United States, San Antonio blends Indigenous, Spanish, Mexican, and American influences in its architecture, traditions, and public life. This makes San Antonio a perfect place for visitors from Mexico to explore themes of cultural heritage, historical sites, and protecting art and antiquities. Our esteemed guests from Mexico met with the following individuals and organizations to further explore San Antonio’s cultural heritage and antiquities protection:

The visitors began their time in San Antonio with a visit to the Alamo and a meeting with the Alamo Trust’s Lead Historian. The visitors attended a tour of the Church and Collections Center and learned about the ongoing excavations and preservation efforts led by the Alamo Archeology team.

Representatives from the Center for Archaeological Research (CAR) at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), spoke to the visitors about the role the University of Texas plays in community engagement initiatives by developing quality, accessible resources for educators and lifelong learners on topics of cultural heritage.

The group visited the American Indians in Texas at the Spanish Colonial Missions, where they learned about the non-profit organization established by the Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation. The speakers discussed the organization’s work for the preservation and protection of the culture and traditions of the Native American tribes and other indigenous people who resided in the Spanish colonial missions.

The Chief of Interpretation and Education and several Park Rangers welcomed the visitors to San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Mission San Jose. The visitors went on a guided tour of Mission San Jose and also learned about the process of working with UNESCO to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Lastly, the visitors went to the City of San Antonio’s World Heritage Center to meet with representatives from the World Heritage Office. The representatives led a tour of the center and also discussed the work of the World Heritage Office, such as the implementation of the World Heritage Work Plan and related projects within the World Heritage Buffer Zone.