Edge of the Cedars Museum meanderings and musings

For those interested in archaeology with local connections, the Edge of the Cedars has several wonderful new and improved displays. It’s a great way to spend a cold afternoon on a winter day.

Most recently Richard and Eve Lynn Perkins donated a wonderful collection to the museum.  A new Kocopelli display in the lookout corner tells the story of this Pied Piper of the Pueblo, and a pristine bird flute found on their property is prominently displayed.

Adjacent, a beautiful Pueblo display on the second floor has been upgraded and expanded into a permanent exhibit.  This also features hundreds of objects while telling the history of the Four Corners area.

The Shumway, Holliday, Perkins collection has been digitized and viewers can now understand more of what they are looking at in the large glassed permanent display.  By using the adjacent computer, with a simple click of the mouse you can understand quickly what you’re looking at, where it was found, and other relevant data.  This visible storage can also be visited on-line: http://static.stateparks.utah.gov/visible_storage/visiblestorage.html

Small pots which are part of the Pueblo display on the 2nd floor.

For those new to the area, a visit to this local attraction will be time well spent.  The museum was built at the site of an ancient village which included dwelling units and a kiva. The kiva and some other structures have been restored and can be viewed behind the museum.  It’s a great adventure for families, and the museum even has a children’s area, with a miniature pueblo, drums, books, and puzzles.  With cutbacks in staffing the hands on activities have yet to be developed, though an intern this summer will hopefully finish up the education work that Rebecca Silverstone began.  Because of State cutbacks, her job was terminated, and she now works at the School District Media Center.