Events Scheduled throughout Arizona
Phoenix AZ (February 28, 2014) – For the entire month of March 2014, the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)/Arizona State Parks (ASP) is coordinating events throughout the state for the 32nd annual celebration of Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month (AAHAM). See schedule below.
These events will focus on current efforts to preserve our past by protecting our fragile and non-renewable cultural resources. AAHAM combines education with entertainment to reach both adults and children in an effort to teach responsible stewardship of our cultural resources. Museums, historical societies, tribes, agencies, parks, and archaeology organizations will be hosting events across the state; events are also planned in Arizona State Parks as part of their interpretive programs.
Proclaimed by the Governor each year, this celebration will feature prehistoric and historic site tours, exhibits, hikes, open houses, lectures, demonstrations and other activities throughout Arizona.
The featured event for the month is the ARIZONA ARCHAEOLOGY EXPO (Expo). This year’s Expo will offer many educational attractions for archaeology and history buffs, and will be located at Catalina State Park on Saturday, March 29, 2014, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Expo is FREE and open to the public
The Expo will provide a special opportunity for visitors to learn more about why it is important to preserve archaeological sites and historic places, what archaeologists, historians, and tribal members do in their jobs, and about the prehistory and history of Arizona. The Expo will feature archaeology-related hands-on activities, craft demonstrations, and other fun and educational events. In addition, Boy Scout and Girl Scout merit badge requirements can be fulfilled at the Expo! Special displays and booths by archaeological and historical organizations, museums, Native American tribes, state and federal agencies, and others will allow you to participate as an archaeologist might in their research today, or make crafts and tools that teach how prehistoric Native Americans and other early inhabitants survived in the Southwest. Cultural and historical demonstrators, talks by archaeologists, and interactive activities will help make the past come alive! In addition, tours of local archaeological sites (rock art and pueblos) will be offered.
The Expo will give visitors new insights into Arizona’s many prehistoric, historic, and contemporary cultures, and will help instill a sense of stewardship for our state’s fragile and nonrenewable heritage resources.
CAMP VERDE
March 1 & 15 – Fort Verde State Historic Park
Living History Presentation and Guided Tours
10 am & 2 pm. Sponsored by Arizona State Parks (ASP) Fort Verde State Historic Park. Take a stroll along Officers’ Row with a docent as they lead guided tours through historic homes. Fort Verde State Historic Park, 125 E. Hollamon St. Regular entrance fees apply. CONTACT: SHEILA STUBLER, (928) 567-3275, or sstubler@azstateparks.gov or www.azstateparks.com
March 5 & 26 – Montezuma Castle National Monument
Lecture: “Environmental Influences for Sinaguan Settlement”
10 am. Sponsored by the NPS. Join Melissa Philibeck in learning about the Sinagua, an ancient Native American culture that once inhabited the Park area. Meet at the Montezuma Castle Interpretive Circle located near the main viewing area at 2800 Montezuma Castle Rd. Regular entrance fees apply. CONTACT: MELISSA PHILIBECK, (928) 649-6195, ext. 226, or melissa_philibeck@nps.gov
March 8 & 22 – Fort Verde State Historic Park
Workshop: How to Make Adobe Bricks
2 pm. Sponsored by ASP- Fort Verde State Historic Park. Learn about the basics of making adobe bricks as well as the history of the Fort. Fort Verde State Historic Park, 125 E. Hollamon St. Regular entrance fees apply. CONTACT: SHEILA STUBLER, (928) 567-3275, or sstubler@azstateparks.gov or www.azstateparks.com.
March 12 – Montezuma Castle National Monument
Lecture: “History of Archaeology at Montezuma Castle”
2 pm. Lecture: “History of Archaeology at Montezuma Castle.” Sponsored by NPS. Lecture by Matt Guebard, Chief of Resource Management and Lead Archaeologist for Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monument. Meet at the Montezuma Castle Interpretive Circle located near the main viewing area at 2800 Montezuma Castle Rd. Regular entrance fees apply. CONTACT: MATT GUEBARD, (928) 649-6195, ext. 225, or matt_guebard@nps.gov
March 14 & 15 – Verde Valley Archaeology Center
International Archaeology Film Fest
March 14 at 7 pm & March 15 at 3 pm & 7 pm. Sponsored by the Verde Valley Archaeology Center (VVAC). A different archaeological documentary will be shown at various locations. CONTACT: KEN ZOLL, (928) 567-0066 or director@verdevalleyarchaeology.org. For film details, see website at www.nafestival.org
March 19 – Montezuma Well National Monument
Lecture and Tour: “Environmental Influences for Sinaguan Settlement at Montezuma Well”
10 am. Sponsored by the NPS. Join Melissa Philibeck in learning about the Sinagua, an Ancient Native American culture that once inhabited the Park area. Meet at the first viewing platform. Program includes interpretive talk and guided hike around the Well. Bring water, wear appropriate shoes, hats, and sunscreen. Montezuma Well, 5525 Beaver Creek Rd. Regular entrance fees apply. CONTACT: MELISSA PHILIBECK, (928) 649-6195, ext. 226, or melissa_philibeck@nps.gov
March 22 & 23 – Located at the V Bar V Heritage Site.
V Bar V Archaeology Discovery Day
9:30 am – 3 pm. Sponsored by Coconino National Forest-Red Rock Ranger District. Demonstrations and hands-on activities include making fire by friction, spinning and weaving cotton, making and firing pottery, throwing with atlatls, and learning about traditional uses of plants. Enjoy watching the Yavapai Apache Nation Dancers and an expert flint-knapper! Bring walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, and water. V Bar V Heritage Site – from I-17, take exit 298 (Hwy. 179) and turn southwest for 2.5 miles; go past the Beaver Creek Work Center and Beaver Creek Day Use Site, over the bridge, and turn right into the V Bar V driveway. Red Rock Pass or equivalent entrance fee required per vehicle. CONTACT: TERRILYN GREEN, (928) 203-2909 or tgreen01@fs.fed.us
March 29 – George Hance House, 229 Coppinger St.
Open House: George Hance House
10 am – 4 pm. Sponsored by Camp Verde Historical Society. The George Hance House is located near Fort Verde State Historic Park and was built in 1916. George W. Hance arrived in the Verde Valley in 1869, and was later appointed first Postmaster of Camp Verde. George Hance House, 229 Coppinger St. Free. CONTACT: NANCY FLOYD, (928) 567-5060 or verdevista@swiftwireless.com.
March 29 – Camp Verde Historical Society Museum
Open House: Camp Verde Historical Society Museum
10 am – 4 pm. Sponsored by the Camp Verde Historical Society. Camp Verde Historical Society Museum, 435 South Main St. Free, but donations are welcome and benefit the Historical Society. CONTACT: NANCY FLOYD, (928) 567-5060 or verdevista(at)swiftwireless.com
March 29 – Camp Verde Jail, 44 Hollamon St.
Open House: Camp Verde 1933 Rock Jail
10 am – 4 pm. Sponsored by the Camp Verde Historical Society. In 1933, during the Great Depression, federal money started making its way to Yavapai County. One of President Roosevelt’s first major relief efforts under the Civil Works Administration was a new jail for Camp Verde. The renovation of the rock jail required over 2000 volunteer hours and was completed in 2010. The jail is located at 44 Hollamon St. Free, but donations are welcome and benefit the Society. CONTACT: NANCY FLOYD, (928) 567-5060 or verdevista@swiftwireless.com
March 29 – Camp Verde Jail, 44 Hollamon St.
Blacksmithing Demonstration at Camp Verde’s 1933 Rock Jail
10 am – 4 pm. Sponsored by the Arizona Artist Blacksmith Association. The blacksmith makes and repairs iron objects using a hammer, anvil, forge, tongs, and vise. For some, blacksmithing is a practical skill that allows the smith to fix things that needed to be fixed; for members of the Arizona Artist Blacksmith Association, it is an art form that has evolved through the centuries. 44 Hollamon St. Free. CONTACT: NANCY FLOYD, (928) 567-5060 or verdevista@swiftwireless.com
March 29 & 30 – Verde Valley Archeaology Center
Verde Valley Archaeology Fair
10 am – 4 pm. Sponsored by the VVAC. The Fair will feature displays on a variety of archaeological practices, techniques, lectures, and demonstrations. VVAC, 395 S. Main St. Free. CONTACT: KEN ZOLL, (928) 567-0066 or director@verdevalleyarchaeology.org.
CLARKDALE
March 26 – Clarkdale Historical Society and Museum
Walking Tour: “History of Archaeology at Tuzigoot National Monument.”
2 pm. Sponsored by the NPS. Learn about the Sinagua, a Native American culture that inhabited the Verde Valley between the years AD 1100 – AD 1425. Program includes an interpretive talk and a guided hike. Bring water, hiking shoes, hat, and sunscreen. Meet at the visitor center at Tuzigoot National Monument Museum, 25 W. Tuzigoot Rd, Clarkdale. Regular entrance fees apply. CONTACT: MATTHEW GUEBARD, (928) 649-6195, ext. 225, or matt_guebard@nps.gov.
SEDONA
March 7 – Coconino National
Demonstrations: Ancient Technologies
9 am – 4:30 pm. Sponsored by Coconino National Forest – Red Rock Ranger District. This event will feature demonstrations and displays of ancient tools and technologies that helped people thrive in the Southwestern environment for centuries. Demonstrations will be at the visitor center under a covered porch at Red Rock Ranger Station, 8375 State Route 179, one mile south of the Village of Oak Creek. Free. CONTACT: TERRILYN GREEN, (928) 203-2909 or tgreen01@fs.fed.us.
FLAGSTAFF AREA
March 7- Wupatki National Monument
Lantern Hike
5:30 – 7 pm, Sponsored by NPS – Wupatki Pueblo National Monument. An NPS archaeologist will lead an evening hike back in time around the Wupatki Pueblo. See into the lives of those who lived here 800 years ago. Artifacts from the Monument will be on display. Please bring water, flashlight, and hiking shoes. Meet at the Wupatki National Monument’s Visitor Center, 25137 Wupatki Loop. From Flagstaff, take Hwy 89 north for 12 miles; turn right at sign for Sunset Crater Volcano and travel another 21 miles from this junction to the Wupatki National Monument’s Visitor Center. Regular entrance fees apply. Reservations required. CONTACT: HOLLY RICHARDS, (928) 679-2365 or holly_richards@nps.gov
March 11 – Walnut Canyon National Monument
Tour/Lecture: “History of NPS Architecture at Walnut Canyon National Monument”
1 – 3 pm. Sponsored by NPS-Walnut Canyon National Monument. Learn about the history of the NPS and the architecture at Walnut Canyon National Monument, including the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Mission 66. Suitable for older children. Meet at the Walnut Canyon Visitor Center at 3 Walnut Canyon Rd. Travel east on Interstate 40; take exit 204 south and drive another 3 miles. Please bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes. Reservations required. Regular entrance fees apply. CONTACT: LISA BALDWIN, (928) 526-1157, ext. 233, or lisa_baldwin@nps.gov.
March 15 – Wupatki National Monument
Cultural Hands-on Demonstrations
11 am – 2 pm. Sponsored by NPS – Wupatki National Monument. Join NPS archaeologists and learn about prehistoric technologies – create your own pinch pot, paintbrush, rock art symbols and split-twig figurine. Artifacts from the Monument will be on display. Meet at the Wupatki National Monument’s Visitor Center, 25137 Wupatki Loop. From Flagstaff, take Hwy 89 north for 12 miles; turn right at sign for Sunset Crater Volcano and travel another 21 miles from this junction to the Wupatki National Monument’s Visitor Center. Regular entrance fees apply. CONTACT: HOLLY RICHARDS, (928) 679-2365 or holly_richards@nps.gov
March 20 – Walnut Canyon National Monument
Cultural Hands-on Demonstration
10 am – 1 pm. Sponsored by NPS – Walnut Canyon National Monument. Learn about prehistoric technologies – create your own pinch pot, paintbrush, rock art symbols, and split-twig figurine. Artifacts from the Monument will be on display. Meet at the Walnut Canyon National Monument Visitor Center. From Flagstaff, travel east on Interstate 40; take exit 204 south, and drive another 3 miles. Regular entrance fees apply. CONTACT: LISA BALDWIN, (928) 526-1157, ext. 233, or lisa_baldwin@nps.gov
March 26 – Walnut Canyon National Monument
Hike: Prehistoric Resource Use at Walnut Canyon
1 – 3 pm. Sponsored by NPS – Walnut Canyon National Monument. Learn about the prehistoric use of plants at Walnut Canyon as you travel into Walnut Canyon down the Island Trail through a range of elevations and vegetation zones. The hike is rated strenuous. Bring water, hat, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes. Meet at the Walnut Canyon National Monument’s Visitor Center. From Flagstaff, travel east on Interstate 40; take exit 204 south, and drive another 3 miles. Regular entrance fees apply. CONTACT: LISA BALDWIN, (928) 526-1157, ext. 233, or lisa_baldwin@nps.gov
March 29 – Wupatki National Monument
Lecture: “Behind Every Good Monument: An Introduction to Pioneering Women Archaeologists of Wupatki
National Monument”
3:30 – 4:30 pm. Sponsored by NPS – Wupatki National Monument. Meet at the Wupatki National Monument’s Visitor Center, 25137 Wupatki Loop. From Flagstaff, take Hwy 89 north for 12 miles; turn right at sign for Sunset Crater Volcano and travel another 21 miles from this junction to the Wupatki National Monument’s Visitor Center. Regular entrance fees apply. CONTACT: HOLLY RICHARDS, (928) 679-2365 or holly_richards@nps.gov
For information about all 27 Arizona State Parks, the Trails and Off-Highway Vehicle Programs and State Historic Preservation Office call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703). Campsite reservations can be made online at AZStateParks.com or by calling the Reservation Call Center at (520) 586-2283. Open 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST. Follow AZStateParks on Twitter and Facebook.