The Verde Valley of north central Arizona has provided shelter and sustenance to human cultures through thousands of years.  The Paleoindians are believed to have used the Verde Valley at times during the period of 11,500 BC to 9,000 BC as evidenced by a small number of Clovis style projectile points and scratch style petroglyphs.  The Archaic culture subsisted in the Verde Valley from 9,000 BC until AD 600, again as evidenced by projectile points and petroglyphs and pictographs.  From AD 600 until AD 1400 the artifactual evidence indicates the development of a culture the archaeologists have named Southern Sinagua.  Following the Sinagua into the Verde Valley were the Yavapai and Tonto Apache.

Members of the Archaeological Society enjoy unique visits to archaeological sites in the Verde Valley and beyond. Monthly meetings feature a speaker on topics of local, state or national archaeological interest.

Professional archaeologists serve as advisors and offer laboratory and field classes to advance the knowledge and skills of avocational archaeologists. The Verde Valley Chapter is backed by excellent resources.  We work hand-in-hand with the U.S. Forest Service, as well as the National Park Service, the Museum of Northern Arizona and Northern Arizona University.

Members of the Verde Valley Chapter of the Arizona Archaeological Society, enjoy many benefits.

• Receive the Petroglyph newsletter of the Arizona Archaeological Society.
• Attend monthly local chapter meetings and quarterly State meetings.  All meetings include speakers in the field of archaeology.
• Participate in day or overnight chapter guided field trips to archaeological sites in Arizona or surrounding states. These are fee-based.
• Participate in professionally supervised field surveys and excavations conducted at the direction of the archaeologists of the Museum of Northern Arizona or the Coconino National Forest.  (Some of these require special training.)
• Volunteer for archaeological projects at the Research Center of the Museum of Northern Arizona or for the Forest Archaeologist of the Coconino National Forest.
• Participate in Arizona Archaeological Society certification courses in pre-history of the Southwest, rock art recording, excavation techniques, field survey procedures and mapping, site restoration and stabilization, ceramic identification and others.  These are fee-based.
• Participate in programs to educate the public and children on the etiquette of prehistoric site visitation and the need for preservation of these sites.
• Become trained as a docent for the V-Bar-V, Palatki and Honanki heritage sites in the Coconino National Forest.

Whether you are a novice or professional, the Verde Valley Chapter welcomes everyone with an interest in archaeology and anthropology.

Chapter mailing address: AAS-VVC, P.O. Box 2451, Sedona, AZ 86339
Chapter phone:928-282-4615

Membership Fees: $35 Single: $40 Family (Two or more residing in same household)

Membership Application Mailing Address: Ron Krug, Treasurer P. O. Box 20969  Sedona, Arizona 86341-0969

Make checks payable to VVCAAS