ARIZONA STATE PARKS: For Immediate Release
Managing and conserving Arizona’s natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our Parks and through our Partners. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Bilbrey at (602) 542-1996 or (602) 228-8518, or Monica Enriquez at (602) 542-6997. Contact by Email: pio(at)azstateparks.gov
(Phoenix, Arizona - October 1, 2009) - Bring your family to Riordan Mansion State Historic Park in October 2009 and enjoy tours and educational opportunities.
On Saturday, October 3 at 7pm, the Evening Slide Presentation Series presents, "Stories Among the Aspen: An Archeologist's Perspective on the Ranching History of the North Rim and North Kaibab." This will be presented by Amy Horn, Cultural Resources Program Manager, Grand Canyon National Park. Today's visitors to the North Rim don't often consider that the area's history includes thousands of cattle grazing on summer pasture. But before tourists discovered the magnificent views from Grand Canyon's North Rim, cowboys found the Kaibab Plateau's lush pastures. Over the past decade, Grand Canyon National Park archaeologists have discovered numerous archaeological sites from the ranching history of the North Rim. Amy Horn, a Grand Canyon National Park Archaeologist, shares the archaeological record of ranching on the North Rim, which substantiates, enhances, and occasionally contradicts, but always brings to life, the written record of ranching on the North Rim. Reservations are recommended due to limited availability. To make a reservation, call (928) 779-4395. This is a Flagstaff Festival of Science Event.
On Sunday, October 4 at 7pm, the Evening Slide Presentation Series presents, "John Wesley Powell: The Man, The Myth, The Mystery." This will be presented by Richard Quartaroli, Librarian, Special Collections and Archives, Northern Arizona University (NAU). On the 140th anniversary of John Wesley Powell's 1869 pioneering river trip down the Green and Colorado Rivers, researchers are still discovering new information about the Major and his life. Powell has most often been described as: a soldier, who lost his right arm in the Civil War battle at Shiloh; explorer and adventurer, for his 1869 and 1871-72 river trips through terra incognita of the American southwest; and scientist, for his work in geology and anthropology. But he was also: a consummate government bureaucrat, wheeling and dealing in Washington D.C. as the 2nd director of the U.S. Geological Survey and the 1st director of the Bureau of Ethnology; and a visionary for his recognition of the west as the "Arid Lands." Join NAU Special Collections Librarian Richard Quartaroli for updates into the wild and mild worlds of John Wesley Powell. Reservations are recommended due to limited availability. To make a reservation, call (928) 779-4395. This is a Flagstaff Festival of Science Event.
On Monday, October 12 at 12:15pm, the Brown Bag Lunch Lecture presents, "Studying our Feathered Friends." This will be presented by Rod Villemaire, Avian Specialist. If you have always wanted to work with birds, come learn the tricks of the trade from Avian Specialist Rod Villemaire! Rod will bring some of his birds and share tips on their care as well. Bring the family and hear the humor and adventure of Rod's latest research project and some of the duties of an avian specialist or ornithologist. Live bird demonstrations!
Guided tours of Riordan Mansion are given daily, at the top of each hour. Tours begin at 9am. Tour size is limited and reservations are highly recommended. Reservations are made by calling the Park at (928) 779-4395. Your guide will lead you through a pristine historic home filled with original artifacts, handcrafted furniture, and personal mementos of the Riordan families. The impressive home contains an exceptional collection of Craftsman furnishings with appointments by Edison, Stickley, Ellis, and Steinway. The first floor of the West Wing is included as part of the tour and provides displays about the family, the Arts and Crafts movement, and other local interests.
Built in 1904 for two Riordan families, Riordan Mansion is an impressive reminder of gracious living in a small, territorial logging town. The historic building is an Arizona treasure -- a remarkable example of Arts and Crafts style architecture featuring a rustic exterior of log-slab siding, volcanic stone arches, and hand-split wooden shingles. The expansive home has forty rooms, more than 13,000 square-feet of living area, and servant's quarters. The Riordan residence was designed by the creator of Grand Canyon's El Tovar Hotel, Charles Whittlesey.
For more information or reservations call (928) 779-4395. Riordan Mansion State Historic Park is located next to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff on Riordan Road.
The park entrance fee is $6 per person for those aged 14 and up and $2.50 for children aged 7 to 13 (There is no charge for children younger than 6). From October 6, 2009 through March 31, 2010, Riordan Mansion State Historic Park will be open five days per week only. The Mansion will be open Thursdays through Mondays and will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
For more information about the 30 State Parks, statewide hiking opportunities, off-highway vehicle trails, and other outdoor recreational and cultural opportunities in Arizona, call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit AZStateParks.com. Follow us on twitter.com/AZStateParks.
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http://azstateparks.com/press/2009/PR_10-01-09.html
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