Monday, February 23, 2009

March Is Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month

For the entire month of March, the Arizona State Parks' State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is coordinating activities throughout the state for the 26th anniversary celebration of Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month.These events will focus on current efforts to preserve our past by protecting our fragile and non-renewable cultural resources. Museums, historical societies, tribes, agencies, parks, and archaeology organizations will be hosting events across the state; many of the events are 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.Ken Travous, Executive Director of Arizona State Parks, states: "The Arizona State Parks' Board is a strong advocate of combining education with entertainment to reach both adults and children. Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month is an example of just such a combination that teaches responsible stewardship of our cultural resources."