Verde Valley Archaeology Center & Museum

10/14/2026

Dear Members and Friends of VVAC,

Thank you for your investment in VVAC. Due to your generous giving you have an active role in expanding our impact and reach.

Across the American Southwest, non-profit and for-profit partners, as well as federal agencies recognize VVAC as a reputable cultural institution with high professional standards.

We are the official non-profit partner to the National Park Service for Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments, and have strengthened collaborations with Coconino National Forest and Prescott National Forest on critical field surveys, site monitoring, curation, and stewardship.

Concurrently, VVAC has increased its Cultural Resource Management services offering professional repository curation, laboratory analysis, and contract archaeology across the region.

VVAC’s growth reflects the strength of our shared arch. Daily operations consist of key staff, dedicated volunteers, dynamic exhibits, robust public events, educational programs, and archaeological partnerships. Facility maintenance of the museum and VVAC’s Native American Heritage Garden are not mere overhead, they are essential components that keep our shared mission flourishing.

We are not maintaining the status quo; we are actively strengthening the arch and sustainability of VVAC. The true strength of this structure is your personal commitment. Together, we can ensure the rich history of the Verde Valley is not just preserved, but actively appreciated and celebrated by our community.

Make a gift today to support our arch! Donations can be made at this link: https://verdevalleyarchaeology.app.neoncrm.com/campaigns/2026-annual-campaign

10/12/2026

Today, we recognize Indigenous Peoples Day and honor the heritage, culture, and continued contributions of Native Americans and Indigenous Peoples.

On Saturday, we had a fun event celebrating this day with an overwhelming turnout for Clive J. Hustito-Mahooty's talk and tons of shoppers for the Native American Artist Market—and lots of big smiles from the artists, museum members, event guests, and volunteers!

An immense thank you to Clive for his outstanding presentation and for traveling from Zuni to speak at VVAC. A big thank you to all the talented artists and their families for participating in the Native American Artist Market.

A special thank you to, Zuni Teddy Weahkee American Legion Post #98 for the Flags: National, POW/MIA, State of New Mexico, Pueblo of Zuni, and the Legion flag. Clive is an 82nd Airborne Veteran and Color Guard, as well as his two children who are also 82nd Airborne Veterans and Color Guards, in addition to being renowned Zuni artists.

Thank you to our Volunteers for their massive help and for our Executive Director Monica Buckle for organizing the event.

10/09/2026

Tomorrow! Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day with VVAC from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm!

This free, family-friendly event features a Native American Artist Market with over 30 artists and a talk at noon by Clive J. Hustito, Zuni Pathfinder of The Light, followed by a reception.

Please remember that there will be a short road closure of Finnie Flat Road due to the Fort Verde Days Parade, but the public can still access the museum via the Bashas' shopping plaza entrance next to Circle K on Finnie Flat Road.

We hope to see you there to celebrate the heritage, culture, and continued contributions of Native Americans and Indigenous Peoples!

10/07/2026

At VVAC, every milestone that is achieved begins with intention, strategic planning, and reverence for the Native American cultural heritage entrusted to us. Above all, it begins with you!

Sixteen years ago, VVAC was founded and established core principles: local artifacts and cultural material belong in the regional community rather than being shipped away to a distant museum. Thanks to supporters like you, who advocated on behalf of that vision, VVAC has grown from a modest 650-square-foot storefront into an accredited, 11,000-square-foot state-of-the-art museum and repository.

VVAC’s commitment to excellence continues to garner major recognition. In addition to receiving a Governor’s Archaeology Advisory Commission Award in Public Archaeology, we are pleased to share that in April 2026, VVAC received the 2025–2026 Institutional Award for Excellence bestowed by the Museum Association of Arizona (MAA). The award is given to a museum that has exhibited leadership qualities by achieving excellence in its work, including in the areas of collection, preservation, research, interpretation, and education.

When we speak about our foundation, it references the shared structure that you helped establish. Your investment and partnership provides a supporting arch that strengthens VVAC’s future. The stability affords our expert team to expand research, protect irreplaceable heritage, and educate thousands of museum visitors each year.

As you may know, VVAC does not receive federal or state funding. Every donation we receive are from generous members like you, directly impacting the strength and future of this organization.

As we commence our year-end appeal, thank you for being an integral component to our foundation. Your support and advocacy make our goals achievable.

Make your gift today at the link below.
https://www.verdevalleyarchaeology.org/donate

10/02/2026

Last night, VVAC hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner celebrating the outstanding contributions and incredible talents of over 50 active VVAC Volunteers who so generously give their valuable time each and every day! It was a lovely event honoring the volunteers' service to the organization.

A special thank you to The Paul Dyck Foundation for the marvelous floral arrangement and immense appreciation to a committed Benefactor who donated the stunning autumnal harvest centerpieces. Many thanks to Astoria International Bistro in Camp Verde for catering the gorgeous dinner. A big thank you to several volunteers who helped with event preparations, as well as Leadership Staff and Members of the Board of Directors that were present to commend the volunteers' dedicated efforts.

Thank you VVAC Volunteers!

09/30/2026

Our latest feature article, “Serving in Stewardship with the Arizona Master Naturalist Association Central Highlands Chapter,” is up on our blog!

VVAC is an official sponsoring partner to the Central Highlands Chapter of the Arizona Master Naturalist Association. In joint stewardship and appreciation of the land and its history, VVAC supplies local expertise and resources, while AZMN provides exposure and opportunities for the museum.

To read more about the work the chapter does, the partnership with the museum, and how to get involved with the chapter, read the story in full at the link below.

https://www.verdevalleyarchaeology.org/blog/servinginstewardship

09/29/2026

On Saturday we held the Harvest Corn Study at VVAC's Native American Heritage Garden. It was a fun day outside learning about our FDA-registered varieties and which grow the best in the harsh conditions of Central Arizona. This summer experienced triple digit temperatures for two consecutive months, and as a result, the corn was affected by the extreme heat. Fortunately, the corn that was harvested will be properly stored and then used to plant crops in spring 2028.

Thank you to Rob Estrada, VVAC’s Ethnobotanist, for leading the workshop, VVAC volunteers Debby and James for their assistance, Executive Director Monica Buckle for facilitating the workshop, and participants for their enthusiasm!

09/24/2026

Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day with VVAC on Saturday, October the 10th! Join us at the museum from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm for a fun family-friendly day celebrating the heritage, culture, and continued contributions of Native Americans and Indigenous Peoples.

The festivities include a Native American Artist Market featuring over 30 artists specializing in fine-art, weavings, pottery, jewelry, katsinas, silversmith, apparel, and crafts. Plus, homemade fry bread will be available for purchase. There will be free market and museum admission.

At 12:00 pm enjoy an engaging talk presented by Clive J. Hustito, Zuni Pathfinder of The Light. Clive is a wisdom keeper and a master Zuni fe**sh carver and sculptor. Seating for the presentation is located inside the museum and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Following the talk, a complimentary reception of hors d’oeuvres and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.

Important Update: On this day, The Town of Camp Verde is celebrating Fort Verde Days with a parade at 10:00am. There will be a short road closure of Finnie Flat Road. Please note, during the short road closure the public can still access the museum via the Bashas' shopping plaza entrance next to Circle K on Finnie Flat Road.

09/21/2026

Last Friday, VVAC hosted the Verde Valley Caregivers Coalition for a painting workshop! This was the museum’s second year hosting a workshop for over 30 participants.

A big thank you to our volunteers, Debby, Claudia, and Pam, and our Executive Director, Monica Buckle, for facilitating this fun Friday workshop filled with creativity for our friends at the Verde Valley Caregivers!

09/18/2026

Our latest feature article, “Connecting Ethnobotany and Archaeology at our Native American Heritage Garden,” is up on our blog!

At our latest interpretive garden walk workshop, VVAC’s Ethnobotanist Rob Estrada shared the Indigenous uses of local plants at our Native American Heritage Garden and Pathway, linking them to the histories and people of the Verde Valley.

To read more about medicinal and edible plants, our corn study, and our upcoming Members Harvest Workshop, read the story in full at the link below.

At our latest interpretive garden walk workshop, VVAC’s Ethnobotanist Rob Estrada shared the Indigenous uses of local plants at our Native American Heritage Garden and Pathway, linking them to the histories and people of the Verde Valley.