Glimpse of the Past March 17

Date: March 4, 2011

 Glimpses of the Past March 17, 2011

 Fort Union National Monument, National Park Service announces its' monthly "Glimpses of the Past" presentation "Helluva Way To Treat A Soldier." This special 90 minute program will be held at the CCHP/Santa Fe Trail Interpretive Center, 116 Bridge St., in Las Vegas, Thursday, March 17, at 7:00 p.m. A century after his death at Fort Craig, New Mexico, the remains of "Buffalo Soldier" Private Thomas Smith were stolen from the remote frontier fort cemetery and stored in a personal artifact collection for thirty years as a macabre trophy. How this injustice occurred and the ramifications that ensued is the focus of the thought-provoking 60 minute documentary film "Helluva Way to Treat a Soldier". Produced by the Bureau of Land Management, to raise public consciousness about archaeological and historic artifacts, the film sends a strong message for protection of our cultural heritage. Afterwards, Marie Sauter, Superintendent, will provide viewers an opportunity to share their thoughts about the film and to discuss the Archaeological Resource Protection Act of 1979, which protects all archaeological resources and sites on public and Indian lands for the present and future benefit of the American people.

The "Glimpses of the Past" series are free in partnership withthe Citizens Committee for Historic Preservation. For more information, contact Fort Union National Monument at [phone], or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/foun.