Mesa Verde Association

Visit the Mesa Verde Association Park Store at two locations in the park or online. All purchases benefit park programs and research.

NPS Photo 2025/ S Rank

Enhance Your Park Experience

Mesa Verde Association (MVA) assists and supports interpretive programs, research activities, special events, and visitor services at Mesa Verde National Park. As a non-profit partner the association provides educational material and sponsors programs for park visitors. These are funded through sales in our park stores, membership dues from those who join the association's mission, and charitable contributions.

The Association's Mission

Our mission is to be an innovative educational partner with Mesa Verde National Park. We strive to inspire life-long stewardship and respect of the region’s cultural and natural heritage.

The Association provides educational and interpretive materials that enhance the visitor's experience of Mesa Verde National Park. Our publishing program includes interpretive guide booklets and scientific monographs. Highly curated books and custom designed products are offered in the park stores at Mesa Verde Museum and the Mesa Verde Visitor & Research Center, and the online store.

The History of a Partnership

MVA is a private, nonprofit organization, authorized by Congress and established in Mesa Verde National Park in 1930. The association is the second oldest cooperating association in the United States.

In 1930 Mesa Verde National Park (MEVE) Naturalist, Paul Franke, founded the Mesa Verde Library Association, which came to be known as the Mesa Verde Museum Association (MVMA). The MVMA was designated as a cooperating scientific and historical partner on April 1, 1937. In a letter from National Park Service Director, Newton Drury, dated May 12, 1950, the MVMA was authorized to use space in government-owned facilities. In 1960 a volunteer Board of Directors incorporated the MVMA as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. In the spring of 2022 MVMA began doing business as the Mesa Verde Association (MVA) and today is the only nonprofit partner of MEVE located within the park.