verde valley archaeology center

This small museum has a nice group of displays of Native American artifacts discovered in or near the Verde Valley. But the most interesting aspect of this museum is learning about the skill of archaeology. Volunteers are available and are eager to impart the information that they have learned while assisting in a dig. For example, an archaeologist can tell generally when a pot was made just by looking at the design on a small chard. Apparently, over the centuries, people changed the designs based on what was popular at that period. Essentially, archaeology is a science of following forensic clues and then building an understanding of the past. If you like puzzles, then you will like to explore the Verde Valley Archaeology Center.

We stopped here on a day trip after visiting Montezuma Castle National Monument. It was a great addition to the day. It really helped us learn about the history of the area. Well worth taking a little detour to Camp Verde if you are in the area to see this museum.

Not only is the collection extensive and fascinating, the docent was willing and anxious to tell us about the collection itself and about the history of the area. We love museum of all kinds and this one was great.

This is a hidden gem. Even if you are not very interested in Archaeology you will enjoy. Close to several ruins.

I liked everything about it. We had a very knowledgable tour guide and I learned a great deal about the cliff dwellings and the ancient people who occupied them.

If you want to find out about the history of The Verde Valley and its early inhabitants you can visit the VVAC on Main St. in Camp Verde.The center has a wonderful collection of exhibits, programs designed especially for children and educators and free tours daily led by volunteer docents.You can enhance your experience by supporting the center with family memberships that begin for only $35.00.The VVAC is in the process of developing an interactive children's discovery area that should be open by December. If you are an educator, the VVAC will be happy to schedule a team to come to your school to present a 1 hour program on the archaeology of the Verde Valley. Of course, presentations at the center can always be scheduled as field trips. Presentations are designed by retired educators to fit in with the curricular designs of all grade levels.

Been to this museum quite a few times and are never disappointed. Displays well done and a wealth of information in a small space. They are constantly striving for putting on programs to keep folks interested and learning about an area that is very rich in history and to keep folks coming back. A must see on your trip to the area so you can appreciate what you will see in the Verde Valley.

If you are planning to visit any or most of many Indian ruins in the Verde Valley, this new museum would be an excellent first stop to get you oriented. The time-line chart and short video about the area's archelogoical history were very helpful. The various exhibits have text that is short enough to keep your interest, but sufficient to give you a good picture. The Museum also has a very balanced perspective (e.g., white people aren't always the "good guys"). The museum sponsors programs and events, so it would be worth it to check their calendar before you go to time things for programs that interest you. (Also, If you're a cemetery fan like me, the town cemetery is worth a visit and we recognized family names that were also featured in the museum. Not a pretty cemetery but stones back to the late 1800s. Southeast of town, and there is a historic church building there as well.)

We didn't expect too much when we entered this little museum but were we surprised...the docent was extremely knowledgable about the history of the verde valley, taking time to explain the cultures which had inhabited the area...many beautiful artifacts..well worth taking the time to enjoy this fascinating cultural center...also a great selection of tourist information is available

A great place to stop and learn about the Verde Valley area American Indians, cultural and history. Well worth the visit.

We visited this new archaeology center and were impressed with the amount of information they had assembled in a small space. The info boards are informative and clear and the displays are neatly done. The information was concise so we were not overwhelmed with an encyclopedia of facts that overlapped. The adjoining gift shop also had a nice selection of books and souvenirs, all moderately priced. The staff was also helpful and friendly. If you visit, be sure to sign the guest register which will help them when they write for grants.

From the friendly people who are there to the awesome displays, the area for pictures=WONDERFUL. What a gift to the Verde Valley.

We just went to the opening of their new and enlarge facility and I can see great potential. They're on a roll. The museum itself has on display the Goddard Collection which is full items found right around Montezuma's Well and many other displays including one about the Yavapai - Apache Tribe "in their own words" and more under construction. Also of interest is their development of the Sinagua Circle self guided road tour. Sites included are Montezuma's Well, Montezuma's Castle (fee), V Bar B Petroglyphs, Tuzigoot Pueblo, and some other little know sites like Sacred Mountain Pueblo, Red Tank Draw Petroglyphs and Bell Rock Trail all in the Wet Beaver Creek. Not many locals even know about these sites. This tour could keep one busy for days! While you're at the museum don't miss Historic Camp Verde just behind the Center. It is quite interesting!

Very knowledgeable and friendly staff, lots of fun artifacts to look at. If you have the opportunity to attend a talk on the history and uses of feathers in native life, do it.. you will be amazed.

It is a small place, but it has so much information. It is worth a stop if you plan on visiting many parks in the Verde Valley.