For Immediate Release: May 13, 2003
Contact: Michael Williams, 970-882-4811

Free Day at Anasazi Heritage Center

 -BLM-

The Anasazi Heritage Center in Dolores will offer free admission to all visitors on Saturday, May 17, in honor of International Museum Day. The usual adult entrance fee will be waived. Admission is always free for children under 18, educational groups, and holders of the federal Golden Age, Golden Eagle, and Golden Access passes.

May is also Colorado Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month. According to museum director LouAnn Jacobson, "If you've never been here, this is your opportunity to discover new things about Colorado's heritage, and to get acquainted with an outstanding community resource." Beside its permanent exhibits on local archaeology and history, the museum is currently offering a special exhibit on Native American basketry.

Other planned free events include evening lectures on Southwest art and historyscheduled for June 12 and August 7. These lectures by nationally-recognised historians are co-sponsored by the Mesa Verde Musuem Association and ARAMARK. Additional special events and daily interpretive programs and are scheduled throughout the summer.

The Anasasi Heritage Center is open daily from 9 to 5. It is operated by the Bureau of Land Management and is the visitor contact station for Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. The Recreation Fee Demonstration Program supports exhibits and special activities at the Center. For more information on coming events, call (970) 882-4811, or visit the Center's website at www.co.blm.gov/ahc.