Yavapai Museum of Geology

Yavapai Observation Station

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On May 24, 2007, the National Park Service re-dedicated the historic Yavapai Observation Station — originally called the Yavapai Point Trailside Museum — on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. New geology exhibits, consistent with the vision of the building’s designers to “make the out-of-doors intelligible,” were also unveiled.

 

NPS Photo by George Grant

Download 09765 (1.01MB JPG File) 16 JUNE 1929

The original structure, which was first dedicated in July 1928, was designed by architect Herbert C. Maier. The building was erected on a site selected by a team of geologists for the express purpose of observing and understanding Grand Canyon geology. Maier designed the Yavapai Point Trailside Museum to blend into its setting, and used indigenous Kaibab limestone and ponderosa pine in its construction.

 

Immersion into Geology

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The Yavapai exhibits explain the deposition of the rock layers, the uplift of the Colorado Plateau, and the carving of the Grand Canyon. Displays include beautifully crafted artwork, three-dimensional models, powerful photographs, and interpretive panels which allow park visitors to see and understand the complicated geologic story of the area.

 

Photo: Konrad Szelock, GCA

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A large topographic relief model in the front room of the Yavapai Observation Station mimics the canyon view in remarkable detail. The map is a dimensional, tactile model that has true color and labeling directly applied. Visitors can quickly gain an eye-opening vantage to the three-dimensional nature and scale of the Grand Canyon.

 

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Photographs from the re-dedication ceremony are posted on this page. Historic photos may also be downloaded below. Click on a photo number and a high resolution version will appear in a new window. (4x6 inches @ 300 dpi)

The re-dedication ceremony took place outside the Yavapai Observation Station, located at Yavapai Point on the South Rim in Grand Canyon National Park. In addition to Park Superintendent Steve Martin, featured guest speakers included Lynn Scarlett, Assistant Deputy Secretary, Department of the Interior, and George H. Billingsley, Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey.

 

The National Park Service rededicated the historic Yavapai Observation Station and unveiled new geology exhibits on Thursday, May 24, at 3:00 p.m.

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“We are extremely excited about the renovation of Yavapai Observation Station, along with the new exhibits that tell the story of Grand Canyon’s geology,” stated Steve Martin, park superintendent. “This is but the first step, as we continue to forge opportunities for connections between our park visitors and the incredible Grand Canyon.”
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Lynn Scarlett, Assistant Deputy Secretary, Department of the Interior addresses the audience at the rededication of the Yavapai Observation Station, May 24, 2007.

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Lynn Scarlett, Assistant Deputy Secretary, Department of the Interior addresses the audience at the rededication of the Yavapai Observation Station, May 24, 2007.

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Transcript of Lynn Scarlett's Speech (17kb PDF File)

 

George H. Billingsley, Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey describes his lifetime of work studying and mapping the Grand Canyon at the rededication of the Yavapai Observation Station, May 24, 2007.

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Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent Steve Martin assists as Lynn Scarlett, Assistant Deputy Secretary, Department of the Interior, and George H. Billingsley, Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey, cut the ribbon to unveil the new exhibits at the Yavapai Observation Station. May 24, 2007

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Employees of Southern Custom Exhibits help to deliver a new geological column to the Yavapai Observation Station in Grand Canyon National Park on May 21, 2007. The column was created by Chase Design Studios.

The new exhibits, consistent with the vision of the building’s original designers to "make the out-of-doors intelligible," focus on the geologic story of the Grand Canyon.

The exhibits allow visitors to experience, intellectually and emotionally, the powerful geologic processes still at work in the canyon. Exhibits explain the deposition of the rock layers, the uplift of the Colorado Plateau, the carving of Grand Canyon, and a discussion of geological time.

 

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Employees of Southern Custom Exhibits and Chase Design Studio carefully guide a geological column through the historic doorway of the Yavapai Observation Station on May 21, 2007. The building allows visitors to experience the grandeur of the canyon while giving them the tools to understand the geology.

 

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WEST FACING EXPOSURE OF YAVAPAI MUSEUM. SHOWS TALUS & CLIFF BELOW. CANYON BEYOND.

17 JUNE 1929. NPS, GEORGE GRANT.

 

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NATURALIST EDWIN MCKEEE SHOWS THE CANYON TO VISITORS FROM THE PARAPET OF YAVAPAI OBSERVATION STATION.

CIRCA 1930. NPS.

 

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RANGER NATURALIST RALPH REDBURN SHOWS YAVAPAI MUSEUM VISITORS THE GEOLOGICAL COLUMN.

SEPTEMBER 1932. NPS.

 

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PARK STAFF PLANTING STEVEN MATHER MEMORIAL TREE AT YAVAPAI OBSERVATION STATION. L TO R: 1) WOMAN NOT IDENTIFIED, 2) MRS EDWIN MCKEE, 3) JAMES BROOKS, CHIEF RANGER, 4) RANGER NOT IDENTIFIED, 5) EDWIN MCKEE, PARK NATURALIST, HOLDING SHOVEL, 6) DONALD MCHENRY, JR NATURALIST, 7) POLLY MEAD-PATRAW, NATURALIST, 8) CARL LEHNERT, RANGER, 9) ART BROWN, RANGER, 10) CLARK CARROL, ENGINEER, STANDING, 11) PRESTON PATRAW, ASST. SUP'T. CIRCA 1931. NPS