Arizona Archeology and Heritage Awareness Month, March 2007

Date: February 20, 2007
Contact: Hallie Larsen, [phone] ext. 274
Contact: Rita Garcia, [phone] ext. 273

Petrified Forest National Park Celebrates Arizona Archeology and Heritage Awareness Month in March 2007

Petrified Forest, AZ - In Arizona, the word “archeology” conjures visions of cliff dwellings, intriguing petroglyphs, and sophisticated pottery. However, archeologists also study the remnants of the Spanish Colonial period, forts, ghosts of homesteads and boom towns, and the old alignment of Route 66. Arizona’s archeology spans over 10,000 years of human experience, well represented at Petrified Forest National Park. Clues to the park’s past range from Folsom points knapped from petrified wood to our National Historic Landmark, the Painted Desert Inn.

Arizona Archeology and Heritage Awareness Month celebrates the state’s rich history, but also reminds us of the fragile nature of archeological clues. Thousands of artifacts are removed illegally and thoughtlessly from protected public lands. With each piece, part of our shared legacy disappears. During March, learn about Arizona’s amazing past and discover your part in protecting Arizona’s, and the nation’s, irreplaceable heritage.

At Petrified Forest National Park, rangers will present a variety of interpretive programs about the park and Arizona’s archeology. Programs for Archeology Month include 11:00 a.m. tours of the Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark, a special ranger’s choice presentation at 1:00 p.m. at Rainbow Forest Museum, and 2:00 p.m. tours of Puerco Pueblo. There will be a special display at the Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark. Come celebrate Arizona Archeology and Heritage Awareness Month at Petrified Forest National Park!

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.