Summer Solstice Observation

Aztec Ruins National Monument will be hosting a summer solstice sunrise observation on Friday, June 20th. Visitors will be able to observe the sun rising in alignment with the north wall of the Aztec West great house just before 6:00am. After this, visitors will be invi......More

Aztec Ruins National Monument will be hosting a summer solstice sunrise observation on Friday, June 20th. Visitors will be able to observe the sun rising in alignment with the north wall of the Aztec West great house just before 6:00am. After this, visitors will be invited to enter the Great Kiva to observe a shaft of sunlight shine through a doorway on the east side of the kiva as it travels across the west wall and aligns directly with a niche in the wall. Mr. Travis Jensen will be playing the flute inside the Great Kiva during the observation. Park staff will open the park entrance gate at 5:30am. Visitors should park in the visitor center parking lot, and staff will direct them into the site. The park grounds will remain open after the event. This event is free of charge and does not require reservations. Please call (505) 334-6174 with any questions. This event is made possible by the Chaco Culture Conservancy (CCC). The Conservancy is a New Mexico nonprofit 501©(3) corporation created to assist and support Aztec Ruins National Monument and Chaco Culture National Historical Park.

Visitors will meet in the picnic area prior to being escorted to the north wall for the observation.

Shawn Price - FDR and the Native New Deal

Please join us in the theater of the Aztec Ruins National Monument visitor center for a special presentation on FDR and the Native New Deal, given by Shawn Price. The discussion will highlight President Roosevelt's policy with Tribal Nations, which includes Native contr......More

Please join us in the theater of the Aztec Ruins National Monument visitor center for a special presentation on FDR and the Native New Deal, given by Shawn Price. The discussion will highlight President Roosevelt's policy with Tribal Nations, which includes Native contributions and the Navajo Code Talkers during WWII. This free event will begin at 12:00pm in the Aztec Ruins Visitor Center. All are welcome to attend.Shawn Price is the current director for the Dineh'Tah Navajo Cultural Program, which has received many honors and accolades from numerous distinguished venues and events abroad. He is a Traditional orator and historian, whose many responsibilities include his practice as a Traditional practitioner and Herbalist. He is an advocate for Tribal issues, especially the protection of sacred sites, and for seeking Tribal, State and Federal legislation to protect Native dances and songs from exploitation and misappropriation. He continues to be consulted as a resource by many cultural centers, historical museums, welcome centers, event organizers, and other public and media program planners. He is a graduate of the University of New Mexico, in Communications and Journalism.This event is made possible by the Chaco Culture Conservancy (CCC). The Conservancy is a New Mexico nonprofit 501©(3) corporation created to assist and support Aztec Ruins National Monument and Chaco Culture National Historical Park.