With numerous archeological sites dotting the Arizona landscape, the State Historic Preservation Office and the Governor's Ad Hoc Archaeology Advisory Group started Arizona Archaeology Week in 1983 in an effort to raise awareness about these nonrenewable, threatened heritage resources. This statewide celebration has since grown to encompass a month long celebration of our state’s heritage with more than 100 events statewide. The growing success of this pioneering program prompted Arizona State Parks to add an annual Archeology Expo to the comprehensive calendar of events. This pivotal public education event encourages a stewardship ethic towards Arizona's archeological and historical resources through a series of hands-on activities, guided site tours, exhibit booths, living history reenactments, and much more.
"Preserving in the Public Interest Since 1906: The Antiquities Act Centennial"
The highlight of Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month is the Archaeology Expo at Tubac Presidio State Historic Park on March 3-4, 2006, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both days are open to the public and admission to the Expo is free. The Park is located 45 miles south of Tucson on Interstate 19. The Archaeology Expo is sponsored by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), Arizona State Parks, and the Governor’s Archaeology Advisory Commission. Many other partners will be joining together to present a varied Expo format offering two days of educational, hands-on archaeology programs to the public.
The Expo offers many attractions for those interested in archaeology and history. Over 30 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 that teach how prehistoric Native Americans survived in the Southwest, or play games like the historic settlers did. Living history re-enactors, Native American demonstrators and entertainers, and interactive activities will help make the past come alive! In addition, tours of local prehistoric archaeological sites and historic sites, buildings and cemeteries will be featured.
Free raffles featuring prizes of archaeology-related items will occur throughout both days. Ethnic foods will be available for purchase. The Expo will give visitors new insights into Arizona's many prehistoric, historic, and contemporary cultures.
For a current listing of events click here for a .pdf download
For more detailed information, call Ann Howard, Public Archaeology Programs Manager, at Arizona State Parks, SHPO, (602) 542-7138, or ahoward@pr.state.az.us. Information on Tubac Presidio State Historic Park can be obtained by calling the Park at (520) 398-2252.
