33rd Annual Archaeology Expo At Yuma

Events Scheduled throughout Arizona In March

(Phoenix, AZ - February 19, 2015) - For the entire month of March 2015, the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)/Arizona State Parks (ASP) is coordinating activities throughout the state for the 33rd annual celebration of Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month (AAHAM).

These events will focus on current efforts to preserve our past by protecting our fragile and non-renewable cultural resources. AAHAM combines education with entertainment to reach both adults and children in an effort to teach responsible stewardship of our cultural resources. Museums, historical societies, tribes, agencies, parks and archaeology organizations will be hosting events across the state; events are also planned in Arizona State Parks as part of their interpretive programs.

Proclaimed by the Governor each year, this celebration will feature prehistoric and historic site tours, exhibits, hikes, open houses, lectures, demonstrations and other activities throughout Arizona. A free statewide listing of these events and activities is now available by contacting the ASP offices at (602) 542-4174 or by visiting the ASP website at http://AZStateParks.com/archy (see list for your region below). To view the more detailed list of events visit http://AZStateParks.com/archy.

The featured event for the month is the ARIZONA ARCHAEOLOGY EXPO (Expo). This year's Expo will offer many educational attractions for archaeology and history buffs, and will be located at Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park, on Saturday, March 7, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Expo is open to the public and is FREE. Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area is hosting the event.

The Expo will provide a special opportunity for visitors to learn more about why it is important to preserve archaeological sites and historic places, what archaeologists, historians, and tribal members do in their jobs, and about the prehistory and history of Arizona. The Expo will feature archaeology-related hands-on activities, craft demonstrations, and other fun and educational events. In addition, Boy Scout and Girl Scout merit badge requirements can be fulfilled at the Expo! Special displays and booths by archaeological and historical organizations, museums, Native American tribes, state and federal agencies, and others will allow you to participate as an archaeologist might in their research today, or make crafts and tools that teach how prehistoric Native Americans and other early inhabitants survived in the Southwest. Cultural and historical demonstrators, talks by archaeologists, and interactive activities will help make the past come alive! In addition, tours of local archaeological sites (rock art and pueblos) will be offered.

The Expo will provide a special opportunity for visitors to learn more about why it is important to preserve archaeological sites and historic places, what archaeologists, historians, and tribal members do in their jobs, and about the prehistory and history of Arizona. The Expo will feature archaeology-related hands-on activities, craft demonstrations, and other fun and educational events including special displays and booths by archaeological and historical organizations, and museums, Native American tribes, state and federal agencies, and others will allow you to participate as an archaeologist might in their research today, or make crafts and tools that teach how prehistoric Native Americans and other early inhabitants survived in the Southwest. Cultural and historical demonstrators, talks by archaeologists, and interactive activities will help make the past come alive! In addition, tours of local archaeological sites (rock art and pueblos) will be offered.

The Expo will give visitors new insights into Arizona's many prehistoric, historic, and contemporary cultures, and will help instill a sense of stewardship for our state's fragile and nonrenewable heritage resources.

CENTRAL ARIZONA

CAVE CREEK

MARCH 7: (9 am - 3 pm)

6th Annual Spur Cross Archaeology Fair. Sponsored by Desert Foothills Chapter/AAS, Cave Creek Museum, and the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. Guided hikes to the sites of First Mesa, Jewel of the Creek, and the Metate Trail are scheduled throughout the day. All hikers should know their limits and be prepared for desert walking in appropriate footwear, hats, sunscreen, snacks, and an adequate supply of water. Booths, guest speaker, live demonstrations, children's crafts, and other hands-on activities will also be featured. From Cave Creek Rd., turn north on Spur Cross Rd. to the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, north 4-1/2 miles. Regular park fees apply ($3). Please check the AAS website at http://www.azarchsoc.org under "events" for the finalized schedule of speakers and hikes. CONTACT: MARY KEARNEY, (623) 687-0721 or maryk92@aol.com.

MARCH 21: (1:30 - 2:30 pm)

Scavenger Hunt: Discover the Hidden Treasures of the Cave Creek Museum. Sponsored by the Cave Creek Museum. Search the dark corners and bright hallways in a challenging scavenger hunt. Follow the prehistoric and historic clues and unravel the mysteries of several artifacts on exhibit at the Cave Creek Museum. Appropriate for ages 6 to 11. Limited to 30 children. Adults must accompany the participant. Cave Creek Museum, 6140 E. Skyline Dr. Free. CONTACT: EVELYN JOHNSON, (480) 488-2764 or http://www.cavecreekmuseum.org.

MESA

Arizona Museum of Natural History

WEDNESDAYS THROUGH FRIDAYS (10 am - 2 pm)

SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS (10 am - 4 pm):

Tours: Mesa Grande Cultural Park. Sponsored by the AzMNH. Self-guided tour of Mesa Grande Archaeological Park. Mesa Grande, 10th & Date St., a block west of Country Club Dr. on Brown Rd. (turns into Date St.). Admissions are $5 for adults and $2 for children ages 3-12. Groups of 10 or more who would like a guided tour with an archaeologist may call 480-644-3553 to book, or visit mesagranndeculturalparks.org for more information.

MARCH 8: (2 - 3 pm)

Lecture Series: "Busting Myths -- Raiders, Rogues and Ross: Fantasies and Facts About Archaeology and Paleontology." Sponsored by the AzMNH. Speaker: Dr. Emily Early. Discover the difference between what archaeologists and paleontologists study. AzMNH, 3 N. Macdonald St. Regular entrance fees apply. CONTACT: EMILY EARLY, (480) 644-5907 or emily.early@mesaaz.gov.

MARCH 28: (2 - 3 pm)

Lecture Series: "Busting Myths -- Archaeology, Pseudoscience and the Media." Sponsored by the AzMNH. Dr. Jerry Howard, Curator of Anthropology, will speak about archaeology, pseudoscience and the media. Archaeology is a favorite topic in the media today, but how much of what you see is accurate? Come learn how to evaluate claims made in the popular media -- where does the truth lie? AzMNH, 3 N. Macdonald St. Regular entrance fees apply. CONTACT: EMILY EARLY, (480) 644-5907 or emily.early@mesaaz.gov.

PHOENIX

MARCH 17: (6 pm)

Archaeology Café: Back and Forth. Sponsored by Archaeology Southwest. Speaker Will Russell will discuss ritual racing and the prehistoric Perry Mesa Tradition. The presentation begins at 6 pm but for those who might want to order off the menu, be there by 5:30 pm. Reservations are not required, but space is limited. Share tables and make new friends. Aztec Room of Macayo's, 4001 N. Central Ave. Free. CONTACT: KATHLEEN BADER, (520) 882-6946 ext. 26 or kbader@archaeologysouthwest.org.

MARCH 21: (10 am - 4 pm)

Program: Archaeology Festival. Sponsored by the Arizona State University, Center for Archaeology and Society, Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve. Participate in interactive stations on archaeology and desert ecology, hands-on crafts for kids, ancient spear throwing demonstrations, a mock archaeology dig, and roasted agave tasting. Special guided tours of the petroglyph trail and musical performances will also be featured. Wear hiking shoes and hats. Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve, 3711 W. Deer Valley Rd. Free. CONTACT: ELIZABETH JEROLD, (623) 582-8007 or dvractours@gmail.com.

Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park (PGM)

MARCH 4: (7:30 - 9 pm)

Lecture: "Arizona Civilian Conservation Corps & Our National Parks and Forests."

Sponsored by the PGM Auxiliary. This presentation by author, Robin Pinto, provides a brief history of the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps and its tremendous impact on our National Park and Forest Development. The lecture will include information on Relief Archaeology performed during this time. PGM, 4617 E. Washington St. Free. CONTACT: LAURA ANDREW, (602) 495-0901 or laura.andrew@phoenix.gov.

MARCH 6: (Noon - 1pm)

Lecture Series: The Science of Pottery - Archaeological Research and Modern Examples: "Tucson Basin Hohokam Ceramics." Sponsored by the PGM Auxiliary. Speaker William L. Deaver's photographic review of the Tucson Basin Hohokam pottery tradition reveals the strong influences of the middle Gila River potters and the characteristics that projected a unique identity. PGM, 4617 E. Washington St. Free. CONTACT: LAURA ANDREW, (602) 495-0901 or laura.andrew@phoenix.gov.

MARCH 7: (9:30 am - 12:30 pm)

Program: Archaeology for Kids. Sponsored by PGM. Discover the science of archaeology by doing a simulated excavation of a Hohokam pit house. Learn about mapping, recording, and other archaeological methods and concepts. Appropriate for ages 7-12. Bring comfortable shoes, hat, and sunscreen. PGM, 4619 E. Washington St. Pre-registration of $15 per child is required. CONTACT: LAURA ANDREW, (602) 495-0901 or laura.andrew@phoenix.gov.

MARCH 11: (2 - 2:30 pm)

Tour: Behind the Scenes Tour. Sponsored by PGM. Join Holly Young, Curator of Collections, for a "behind the scenes" tour of the Museum. This is an opportunity to learn about the artifacts that are not on display and what steps are taken to care for them. This is a first-come, first-serve tour. Space is limited. When you arrive, please sign up at the front desk to reserve your spot. Appropriate for older children. PGM, 4619 East Washington St. This tour is free with paid admission. CONTACT: LAURA ANDREW, (602) 495-0901 or laura.andrew@phoenix.gov.

MARCH 12: (7 ¬- 9 pm)

Lecture: Middle and Late Archaic Period Archaeology at Luke Air Force Base. Sponsored by the AAS, Phoenix Chapter. Archaeological investigations during a recent solar construction project shed new light on the Middle and Late Archaic periods in the Phoenix Basin. PGM, 4619 E. Washington St. Free. CONTACT: ELLIE LARGE, (480) 461-0563 or elarge@cox.net.

MARCH 12: (10 am - 3 pm)

Tour: Plant Tour of Pueblo Grande. Sponsored by the PGM. Discover some of the edible and medicinal plants of the Southwest on an abbreviated walk along the trail (wear appropriate walking shoes). Space is limited; please sign up at the front desk to reserve your spot. PGM, 4619 E. Washington St. Free with paid admission. CONTACT: LAURA ANDREW, (602) 495-0901 or laura.andrew@phoenix.gov.

MARCH 13: (Noon - 1 pm)

Lecture Series: The Science of Pottery - Archeological Research and Modern Examples: "The Role of Consumers in the Stylistic Development of Red-on-Buff Pottery." Sponsored by the PGM Auxiliary. Speaker Andrew Lack will focus on recent research on the social aspects of stylistic variation in prehistoric Hohokam red-on-buff pottery in the Phoenix Basin between AD 750 and 1300. PGM, 4617 E. Washington St. Free. CONTACT: LAURA ANDREW, (602) 495-0901 or laura.andrew@phoenix.gov.

MARCH 14: (9 am - 3 pm)

Program: Ancient Technology Day. Sponsored by the PGM. Join us for a fun day outside! Try your hand at tossing a spear using an atlatl; watch artists as they demonstrate pottery making, basket weaving, rock art, and flint knapping. Try the fry bread and agave roast, cooked the traditional way. PGM, 4619 East Washington St. Free. CONTACT: LAURA ANDREW, (602) 495-0901 or laura.andrew@phoenix.gov.

MARCH 20: (Noon - 1 pm)

Lecture Series: The Science of Pottery - Archaeological Research and Modern Examples: "The Development and Evolution of Domestic Pottery in Arizona." Sponsored by the PGM Auxiliary. Speaker Chris Garraty will discuss the development of ceramic container technology for everyday domestic use in prehistoric southern and central Arizona. PGM, 4617 E. Washington St. Free. CONTACT: LAURA ANDREW, (602) 495-0901 or laura.andrew@phoenix.gov.

MARCH 27: (Noon - 1 pm)

Lecture Series: The Science of Pottery - Archaeological Research and Modern Examples: "Ceramic Evidence of Prehistoric Long Distance Interactions - Intrusive Ceramics from Pueblo Grande." Sponsored by the PGM Auxiliary. Speakers Laurene Montero and Dr. Todd Bostwick will discuss ware distributions of intrusive ceramics identified at PGM during archaeological investigations from the 1930s to the present. PGM, 4617 E. Washington St. Free. CONTACT: LAURA ANDREW, (602) 495-0901 or laura.andrew@phoenix.gov.

MARCH 27: (10 - 11 am)

Tour: Park of Four Waters. Sponsored by PGM. The prehistoric Hohokam were an agricultural society, using irrigation canals to grow corn, beans, squash, and cotton. The Park of Four Waters tour will take you through undeveloped, natural desert to the ruins of some of these canal systems. Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring water. Appropriate for ages 13+ years. This is a first-come, first-serve tour. Space is limited. PGM, 4619 E. Washington St. Regular Park entrance fees apply. CONTACT: LAURA ANDREW, (602) 495-0901 or laura.andrew@phoenix.gov.

QUEEN CREEK

MARCH 11: (7:30 - 8:30 pm)

Lecture: "Archaeology's Deep Time Perspective on Environment and Social Sustainability." Sponsored by the AAS, San Tan Chapter and the Arizona Humanities Council. Speaker Allen Dart. San Tan Historical Society Museum, 20435 S. Old Ellsworth Rd. Free. CONTACT: MARIE BRITTON, (480) 390-3491 or mbrit@cox.net.

WICKENBURG

Desert Caballeros Western Museum (DCWM)

MARCH 1 - 31: (Monday - Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm & Sunday, Noon - 4pm)

Exhibit: Wickenburg's West: Adaptation/Reinvention/Transformation. Sponsored by the DCWM. Ongoing in the Quayle Family Gallery at DCWM, 21 N. Frontier St. Regular admission fees apply. CONTACT: DENISE MAGGS, (928) 684-2272, ext. 100 or http://www.westernmuseum.org.

MARCH 2: (8:45 am)

Tour: Desert Adventure Tour to Peeples and Skull Valleys. Sponsored by DCWM. Enjoy a journey to remember with enough history of central Arizona to keep you wanting to learn more. Self-drive or carpool; lunch on your own at the Skull Valley Cafe. Registration required. Spaces limited. DCWM, 21 N. Frontier St. Fee $35 for DCWM members/$55 non-members. CONTACT: DENISE MAGGS, (928) 684-2272 or http://www.westernmuseum.org.

MARCH 17: (9 am - 3 pm)

Tour: Desert Adventure Tour to Constellation Road. Sponsored by DCWM. Lunch and transportation provided. Enjoy a day of sharing the numerous stories and rich history of the Wickenburg area. Registration required. DCWM, 21 N. Frontier St. Cost: $75 for DCWM members; $100 non-members. CONTACT: DENISE MAGGS, (928) 684-2272, ext. 100 or http://www.reservations@westernmuseum.org.

For more detailed information, contact either Kris Dobschuetz, SHPO Archaeological Compliance Specialist, at Arizona State Parks/SHPO (602-542-7141) or by e-mail at kd2(at)azstateparks.gov or Ann Howard, Deputy SHPO, at Arizona State Parks/SHPO (602-542-7138), or by e-mail at ahoward(at)azstateparks.gov.

For information about all 28 Arizona State Parks, the Trails and Off-Highway Vehicle Programs and State Historic Preservation Office call (602) 542-4174 or visit AZStateParks.com. Campsite and Cave Tour reservations can be made online at AZStateParks.com or by calling the Reservation Call Center at (520) 586-2283. Open 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST. Follow AZStateParks on Twitter and Facebook.