Back in 2009, when journalist Steve Ayers looked around Camp Verde, it appeared to him that if something did not happen, there soon would be no advertisers left to support the local newspaper. Later, at an event in Sedona, Ayers sat next to archaeology enthusiast Ken Zoll, who outlined his dream to one day have a place in the Verde Valley where archaeologists and lay people could meet, share ideas, curate artifacts and manage a museum.
“I asked Ken if he would be interested in doing that in Camp Verde,” recounted Ayers. “He said, ‘It would be a perfect place.’” Perfect because the Camp Verde has several significant archaeology sites right inside the town limits – on the National Forest – including Camp Verde Salt Mine, Wingfield Mesa Ruin and Clear Creek Ruin.
“Because Camp Verde is at the center of so many archaeology sites, I thought that we could use that as an economic driver for the town,” said Ayers who wrought the power of the pen as a journalist to spread Zoll’s dream. By 2010, the Verde Valley Archaeology Center had formed with the help of many area archaeology aficionados, and opened just off Main Street in a 615-square-foot storefront.
Two years later, the 501(c)(3) organization, which helps preserve archaeological sites, curates collections locally and makes them available for research and education, was bursting at the seams. In 2012, the center moved to the current 3,300-square-foot facility right on Main Street.
The Verde Valley Archaeology Center (VVAC) occupies the former Camp Verde Chamber of Commerce offices, which were made available by an agreement with the township. The center offers exhibits, an interpretive film and a children’s exploration corner free to the public. In-depth training classes, lectures, symposiums, field trips and field schools are also available. The center conducts an Archaeology Film Festival, and Archaeology Fair that includes an American Indian Art Show, every year.
“Jim [Graceffa] and Ken Zoll’s idea turned into a genesis to form the first board,” explained Bud Henderson, VVAC treasurer and retired fighter pilot. Today, Graceffa, who has been involved in Verde Valley archaeology for years, serves as the president of the board. Archaeologist Dr. Todd W. Bostwick is director of archaeology, and the advisory council is made up of representatives from the town of Camp Verde, Yavapai-Apache Nation, EnviroSystems, Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments, Hopi Tribe and Coconino National Forest. Zoll is the executive director.
“Ken is absolutely indefatigable. He can’t be slowed down,” Henderson replied when asked about reasons for VVCA’s expansions. He continued, “The city has been so supportive – they have been phenomenal.” The town supported the archaeology center on Main Street because of its potential to provide services that would stimulate economic activity. And true to form, after the archeology center went in, a coffee house and a restaurant featuring wine tasting have opened nearby. The town of Camp Verde is becoming a heritage travel destination.
“With the archaeology center, the Camp Verde Historical Society Museum and Fort Verde State Historic Park [within walking distance], there is a lot of heritage here that attracts tour groups,” added Ayers, who put down the pen one year ago to become the town’s economic development director.
“It’s hard to put a number as to how valuable the center is to the local economy, but for instance, last month, over 300 people showed up for a Thursday night lecture sponsored by the center. People came from Prescott, Sedona, Flagstaff and Phoenix. There is no question in my mind that there is an interest in archaeology,” said Ayers. The town partners with the center to help protect local ruins and house artifacts, while the center brings visitors who spend and add money to the local economy.
The VVAC, which boasts 350 members from as far away as Australia, France and Canada, is starting a capital fundraising project for their next expansion: a 20,000-square-foot facility that will include an archaeology research lab, museum, learning center, curation facility and 200-seat auditorium. If all goes well, the center will have its third move to a three-acre site on Highway 260 on the outskirts of town.
“When we grow up, we want to be just like the Smithsonian,” joked Henderson. But he says getting accreditation to house Verde Valley artifacts that are currently in museum collections spread around the country is no laughing matter. The center is currently working diligently on policies and procedures for the new facility that are needed for the accreditation.
“Collections at Sharlot Hall and NAU have been promised to us [contingent on the new facility]. The artifacts don’t fit their missions and they want to return them to the Verde Valley,” explained President Jim Graceffa. VVAC’s vision is to stop the removal of artifacts from the area.
“Many of the artifacts from the Verde Valley are sitting at Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott, NAU in Flagstaff, Arizona State Museum in Tucson and the Peabody Museum at Harvard,” said Ayers.
“The people at the center have done a remarkable job in a relatively short period of time. Going from zero, to what we have now is incredible. … They are marvelous partners as far as the town is concerned,” lauded Ayers. “It is good for our community to have its own archaeologist, and with the Verde Valley Archaeology Center, we have the best archaeology possible.
Currently the town is working with Prescott National Forest on plans for an interpretive center at Camp Verde Salt Mine. “Verde Valley Archaeology Center will act as the town agent to help develop the site. If it works out well there, then we’ll work with the Forest Service on more sites,” Ayers explained.
“The next step is that we have been tasked with drawing up a lease agreement for the land for the new center,” said Ayers, referring to the town of Camp Verde. “The architect [Design Group Architects of Sedona] needs more than a verbal agreement to start on the elevation drawings.”
“This has taken off way further than our expectations,” said Henderson. “We all have our little dreams, but now they are materializing.” FBN
Admission is always FREE and the Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on Tuesdays and major holidays.
Verde Valley Archaeology Center
385 S Main St, Camp Verde
928-567-0066
www.verdevalleyarchaeology.org
Written by FBN’s Stacey Wittig
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