Celebrate the 100th Anniversary and Fee Free Day at Petrified Forest, December 2006

Date: November 25, 2006
Contact: Hallie Larsen, [phone] ext.274
Contact: Marge Post, [phone] ext.264

Celebrate the 100th Anniversary and Fee Free Day at Petrified Forest, December 2006

Petrified Forest, AZ — Petrified Forest National Park celebrates its 100th Anniversary during 2006. On June 8, 1906, the Act for the Preservation of American Antiquities (better known as the Antiquities Act) was signed by President Theodore Roosevelt. This law gives presidents the authority to proclaim and reserve "historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest" on lands owned or controlled by the United States as national monuments. Petrified Forest was one of the first places set aside as a national monument through the use of this Act.

December 8, 2006 is Petrified Forest’s 100th Anniversary. Celebrate this momentous day by visiting the park on the Fee Free Day!

Activities at Petrified Forest include:

Holiday Open House at the Painted Desert Inn Museum from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Dec. 8 — enjoy hot drinks, cookies, and holiday cheer.

Cultural demonstrator Otto Lucio will demonstrate Zuni silversmith and jewelry-making on Dec. 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. He will have some of his beautiful work available for sale through the Petrified Forest Museum Association.

10:00 a.m. Rainbow Forest Museum: Late Triassic Ranger Program, learn about petrified wood and the ancient environment.

1:00 p.m. Tour of the Painted Desert Inn Museum: look for the architectural details that reflect the region’s rich heritage, including a skylight by the Civilian Conservation Corps and murals by Hopi artist Fred Kaboti.

2:00 p.m. Tour of Puerco Pueblo and Petroglyphs, a site on the National Register of Historic Places.

On December 9 at 10:00 a.m. a reception will be held at Painted Desert Inn for students who entered an essay or art piece for the 100th Anniversary Art and Essay Contest sponsored by Petrified Forest National Park. The contest was open to students from nearby school districts in Grades 3-12. First place winners in each category will receive a $50 gift certificate good at any Petrified Forest Museum Association Bookstore, with second place winners receiving a $25 gift certificate. Winners will also be invited to present their entry during the reception. The reception is open to the public.

For more information call [phone] weekdays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time; or write to the Superintendent, Petrified Forest National Park, P.O. Box 2217, Petrified Forest, AZ 86028; or e-mail the park.