Cacao with a Ranger

Veterans Day Weekend, November 11- 12, at Aztec Ruins National Monument promises visitors some activities as well as free admission for all visitors in recognition of U.S. veterans and current members of all Armed Forces. After visiting the impressive 900 year old Great House and museum, stay around for a special experience with retired Army veteran and Park Ranger Chris Sherbak. He will be gathering groups from 1:00 – 3:00 pm to share conversation and cacao. Visitors will be educated in the ancestral Pueblo shared traditions and trade with Mesoamerica and get a taste, literally, of customs of cacao drink as supported by ceramic research.

Later in the evening, research specialist Chris Guiterman, Laboratory of Tree Ring Research, will share a presentation regarding his recent work in dendrochronology and the sourcing of archaeological beams from Aztec Ruins’ structures. The talk, “Timber Procurement Patterns for the Aztec Ruins Great Houses,” takes place in the park’s Visitor Center at 7:00 pm.

Admission is free and open to the public. The non-profit Western National Park Association store in the Visitor Center will be commemorating the holiday also with a special discount on all items in the store on Saturday. To all Veterans and Military members, bring your friends and family, come visit the monument and ask about the pass program. Every National Park site throughout the country will be honoring free admission to all visitors. Everyone, get out and enjoy your public lands and remember to share your gratitude with this country’s veterans for their dedication and service.