Thomas Layton

Professor Emeritus
Ph.D. Harvard, 1971

Years with the University: 1978-2003

Expertise: Archaeology, oral history, China trade

Clark Hall 469
408-924-5710

Personal Commentary:

"Since retiring from the University, I have been writing up my research backlog. Meanwhile, I have been seeking out and purchasing historic images of the Santa Clara Valley for the Sourisseau Academy Archive at SJSU. That research collection, housed in the King Library, now contains over twenty-thousand images."

In 1984, archaeologist Thomas Layton discovered some unexpected Chinese ceramic artifacts at a Native American site in Mendocino County. Witness how Dr. Layton’s quest to solve the riddle of the mysterious pottery led him to uncover a story of global connections and a shipwreck that impacted California forever. Watch the Impact of the Frolic.