Chaco School Group Orientation (a sample for ideas)

Theme: Chaco is an important and very special place that requires everyone’s help to preserve.

Chaco is a very special place, one that is important part of the history of New Mexico, the United States and the world. The United Nations declared it a world heritage site because it is so special.

A thousand years ago, in a harsh land, the ancestors of the Pueblo people created something unlike anything before or after--an ancient ceremonial center in the desert. From AD 850 to 1150, the people built monumental buildings used for ceremonies, trading, and public gatherings. Chaco was the center, and over one hundred other communities were part of this system. Hallmarks of Chaco include: great houses (monumental public buildings), great kivas, excellent masonry, roads, and extensive trading. The Chacoans made turquoise into beads, pendants, and jewelry and traded it to Mexico. Parrots, macaws, and copper bells came back. Seashells came from the distant Pacific Ocean.

Chaco is a special place to the Hopi, the New Mexico Pueblos, and the Navajo. Chaco is part of the sacred homeland of these people and is considered a holy place. Please remember to enter the sites with respect, like entering someone’s church and place of worship.

Archaeologists have studied Chaco for over a hundred years. By looking at the buildings and things they left behind, they can tell us a lot about the Chacoans, how they lived, their tools, foods, and other things-but it is very important that everything you see at Chaco remains there. If you see pottery, look at it but do not take it. If you leave it, others will be able to see it in the future.

We need you to help us keep the park special:

The archaeological sites are fragile and can be harmed by people walking on them. So we ask you to always stay on trails to help preserve them. Fragile desert soils are found throughout the park, and staying on the trails will preserve them, too.

The thousand year-old walls are especially fragile, and some rocks are loose. We ask that not climb on any walls to preserve them, and so that you do not get hurt.

Please never write your names on the canyon walls, on rocks, or on plaster in rooms. If vandalism continues to happen, we may have to close off many special areas that you can now visit. Please help us keep Chaco a great place to visit and enjoy.

Chaco is a special place--to many people--and for many different reasons. It is an important part of our history. We need everyone’s help to make sure that it remains a place to come and visit for all times.