Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month

The idea is to make everyone aware of Arizona's rich cultural past, one that few other states can claim.

There are literally thousands of habitation sites, petroglyph panels and other remnants in the state, all of which tell the story of human occupation.

And one of the richest collections anywhere in Arizona much less the rest of the nation, is spread out along the Verde River and its tributaries.

Several organizations as well as governmental agencies have events planned over the next few weeks all designed to generate the public's interest.

Among the participants in local events at the National Park Service, Arizona State Parks, Camp Verde Historical society and the Verde Valley Archaeology Center.

All of the events are designed for all ages, although some of them may be more physically demanding than others.

March 12 and 13

V Bar V Days: This year's theme is "Arizona through Time, Stories of Stone." As part of this month's celebration, the public is invited to the 11th annual V Bar V Discovery Days events scheduled for 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Hands-on demonstrations will include: the ancient technology of weaving sandals with yucca fibers, making fire by friction, throwing atl-atls, forming and firing pottery, and tasting traditional foods. Other highlights include: the Yavapai Apache Bird Dancers and Gourd Singers who will perform Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m.; and presentations by Archaeoastronomy speaker, Ken Zoll, Saturday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. All ages welcome. V Bar V is located 2 miles east of Interstate 17 at the State route 179 exit (Sedona exit).



March 12

Open House at the George Hance House. Sponsored by Camp Verde Historical Society. The George Hance House is located at Fort Verde State Historic Park. George Hance arrived in the Verde Valley in 1869; in 1872, The George Hance House was built in 1916. More information on the history of George Hance and the house will be available. Free. Historical interpretation at 12:30 pm. Located at 229 Coppinger St., Camp Verde.



March 12

Camp Verde Historical Society Museum open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition to historical exhibits, visitors can view the Ida Redbird Pottery display. A renowned Maricopa potter, this display houses the most extensive collection of her pottery in the western US. Other historic and contemporary Native American potters and artists are featured at the Museum, 435 South Main St., Camp Verde.



March 12

Open house for the 1933 Stone Jail and demonstrations by the Arizona Artist Blacksmith Association, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sponsored by the Camp Verde Historical Society. Members of the Arizona Artist Blacksmith Association will present demonstrations using basic blacksmithing tools and forging objects from iron. Come join in the activities and see how this practical skill has evolved into an art form over the centuries. Located at 44 Hollamon St, Camp Verde.



March 13

Archaeology Tour at Tuzigoot: Archaeologist matt Gruebard will lead a special tour, discussing archaeological discoveries at the monument. Appropriate for ages 12 and up.



March 19

Moonlight Tours at Montezuma Well: Park rangers will lead three tours of the Well by the light of the full moon. The park will open at 7:00 p.m. Tours begin at 7:30, 8:00, and 8:30, and will last approximately 90 minutes in duration. To offer the best and safest programs possible, space is limited to 15 people per tour. Entrance is free, but reservations are required! Please call (928) 567-3322 and press 1 to reserve your place. Appropriate for ages 12 and up. Entry is free.



March 19

Historic Hike: Tesky Homesite. Sponsored by BLM and Friends of the Agua Fria National Monument. Tour will begin at 8:45 a.m. and include remains of the house and fields, which include the irrigation system. Hike is an easy walk around the site and is limited to 30 people. Meet at the Cordes Lake Park. Take Cordes Junction exit off I-17; turn right, then right again at stop sign (Stagecoach Trail). Park will be on left 1/4 mile south. Reservations required. Contact Peggy Biegler (623) 465-0726.



March 19

Fort Verde Ste park will host an adobe brick-making workshop at 1 a.m. and 2 p.m. The park is located at 125 E. Hollamon St., Camp Verde.



March 26

Live Music: Native American flute player and educator Wolfs Robe will perform at Montezuma Castle National Monument from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Gates will be open from 6:00 to 8:00. Appropriate for all ages. Entry is free.



March 26

Living History Presentations at Fort Verde State park 125 E. Hollamon St., Camp Verde



March 26 & 27

Arizona Archaeology Expo from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Join the Deer Valley Rock Art Center and the State Historic Preservation Office for the culminating event of 2011 Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month. Deer Valley Rock Art Center, 3711 W. Deer Valley.



March 31

Archeology Talk: At 1:00 p.m., Archeology Tech Melissa Philibeck will present her talk entitled "Location, Location, Location" at Montezuma Well. Appropriate for ages six and up. Entry is free.

For more interesting topics related to archaeology, visit archaeology excavations.