(Flagstaff, Ariz.)—Seventy-five years ago, the Museum of Northern Arizona opened, beginning the story of one of Arizona’s most important cultural institutions. It is the story of an organization that searches for innovation and inspiration, expresses passion of place for the surrounding Colorado Plateau, and takes great joy in the function of stewardship—of things as well as ideas.
The Museum of Northern Arizona’s new exhibit, Treasures of MNA: 75 Years of Passion For Discovery opens on October 25. Exhibit guest curator and research associate Susan Deaver Olberding and MNA staff have selected seventy-five treasures and stories to tell the institution’s multi-faceted history.
Olberding commented, “This is a wonderful opportunity to see and enjoy MNA’s legacy of discovery. The behind-the-scene stories and rarely seen collections are fun, and they offer insights to our region’s rich natural and cultural heritage. We look forward to sharing MNA’s treasure trove of ideas, artifacts, art and artists, science and scientists, and a possible eccentric or two.”
The Lockett Gallery will be devoted to the exhibit, with additional highlighted locations throughout the Museum. Two of the stories behind the objects are good examples of the way in which this exhibit weaves science, history, and artifacts into stories about the venerable 75-year-old MNA.
A Tim’s Cave ceramic pot tells a story from 1991 about helicopter sightseers who became illegal pothunters. Flying around the Sedona area, the sun was just right and they experienced a once-in-a-lifetime experience—they spotted an undiscovered, undisturbed cave site in a cliff face that revealed large ceramic storage jars and baskets. As soon as the helicopter landed after the flight, one of the passengers named Tim went to the Coconino National Forest Service to tell them of the sighting. Wanting to leave the site undisturbed, the Forest Service went to merely record it but discovered that several items had already been removed. They then had to document and remove all of the items. There was so much publicity surrounding the discovery that the person who took the items realized that it was impossible to put the stolen artifacts on the market. The items were anonymously donated back to the Yavapai-Apache tribe and eventually made their way to MNA, the region’s repository, for safekeeping—waiting for their story to be told.
Several award-winning pieces from the Hopi Craftsmen Exhibition which began in 1930 represent a ten year effort by MNA cofounder Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton and staff to create a market for Hopi artwork and thus preserve their traditional craft heritage. Remotely located, the Hopi were able to get things they needed from traders, but the traders encouraged the Hopi to produce cheap, non-traditional souvenir items that the traders could easily sell to tourists. The MNA representatives traveled cross-country to persuade the reluctant Hopi to enter their products in the Hopi Craftsman Exhibition. Quality was emphasized, prizes were awarded, and the community supported the shows. In 1959 Mary-Russell received a Certificate of Appreciation for her work with Native arts and crafts from the Indian Arts and Crafts Board of the U.S. Department of Interior. From those beginnings the Museum’s summer-long series of marketplaces has evolved.
This exhibit can be experienced through May 2004. The Museum of Northern Arizona is located three miles north of historic downtown Flagstaff on Highway 180 and is open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. For 75 years, MNA has sought to explore and explain the land and peoples of the Colorado Plateau to encourage a broader understanding of its unique beauty and character. It serves as the gateway to understanding this dynamic region and provides changing exhibits, informative programs, and outdoor adventures.