After the Naturalization Ceremony (see April 19th Was a Very Special Day), special things continued at Petrified Forest. The plaque designating the Painted Desert Community Complex as a National Historic Landmark was unveiled by Kathryn Leonard, the State Historic Preservation Officer, and superintendent Brad Traver. The National Trust for Historic Preservation also presented Traver with a lovely gift of a Frank Lloyd Wright stained glass for working closely with the organization on Read More
Painted Desert Community Complex
April 19th Was a Very Special Day
April 19, 2017 was a very special day at Petrified Forest National Park in so many ways. One of the most remarkable was that we were there to welcome nine new citizens to the United States of America. It was a wonderful community event as Girl Scout Troop 151 of Holbrook, Arizona, presented the Colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance. It was the park's first Naturalization Ceremony and everyone there found it to be a very moving and wonderful experience. Here are some photos from the ceremony. Read More
The Painted Desert Community Complex Gains Recognition as a National Treasure
What is old is new again. The popular television series, Mad Men, brought the Mid-Century modern style of the '50s and '60s back into the public's eye, and you'll find it gracing the covers of magazines and in trendy stores. Urban Gen-Xers and Millennials have embraced the smart, clean lines which fit well in small apartments and living spaces. The nostalgia also extends to older generations with their memories of Route 66 and the optimism of the time. The country was experiencing great Read More
A New National Treasure
The fact that Petrified Forest National Monument was created in 1906 and converted to Petrified Forest National Park in 1962 is ample evidence that the resources there to protect have long been considered a national treasure. But it’s a newer resource – one not built until after national park status was achieved – that is the latest to hold that title. The Painted Desert Community Complex was one of five projects during the Mission 66 nationwide re-building program for which the National Park Read More