El Paso Museum of Archaeology facts for kids
The sign outside the El Paso Museum of Archaeology with the Franklin Mountains in the background.
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| Established | 1977 |
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| Location | 4301 Transmountain Road, El Paso, Texas |
| Type | Archaeology |
The El Paso Museum of Archaeology is a cool place to learn about the ancient history of the El Paso, Texas area. It's found in Wilderness Park, right next to the National Border Patrol Museum. You'll find it at the bottom of the Franklin Mountains, surrounded by the Castner Range National Monument. This spot is special because it's close to real archaeological sites. These include amazing rock art in the Franklin Mountains and old Mogollon village sites. About 42,000 people visit this museum every year!
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A Look Back: How the Museum Started
This museum first opened its doors in 1977. Its location was chosen because so many ancient sites are nearby. Wilderness Park, where the museum stands, was created with help from the El Paso Heritage Foundation. The El Paso Archaeological Society also works with the City of El Paso to help run the museum.
Explore Ancient Times: Exhibits and Collections
The museum has a huge collection of ancient objects. These artifacts show 14,000 years of history from the El Paso area. You can also see items from the wider Southwest and northern Mexico. The museum's collection is worth about $2 million!
What can you see?
- You might find 800-year-old cloth made from agave plants.
- There are also many trade items, pottery, and jewelry.
- Look for pre-Columbian art and objects from Mexico.
The museum also has special displays called dioramas. These are like 3D scenes that show what life was like long ago. They help you imagine the cultures of the Casas Grandes and Jornada Mogollon people.
The El Paso Museum of Archaeology has received awards to help with its programs. For example, in 2014, Humanities Texas gave them $1,000. This money helped support speakers and new exhibits.
Fun Events and Activities
Every spring, the museum hosts the Annual Franklin Mountain Poppies Fest. This festival celebrates the beautiful flowers that bloom. It also includes fun activities, tasty food, and chances to see local wildlife.
The museum also holds special conferences. One important event is the Jornada Mogollon Conference. This meeting happens every two years, in odd-numbered years.
The museum's goal is to share and protect archaeological finds. They do this through research, exhibits, and educational programs. Their main focus is the ancient history and cultures of the El Paso area and the Southwest. If you want to visit with a group, tours are free! Just make sure to book them in advance.
Discover Nature: Trails and Plants
Outside the museum, there are great family activities. You can explore nature trails to learn about the plants, animals, and rocks of the area. The museum has about 15 acres of natural land around its building.
Along a mile-long nature trail, you can see over 250 types of native Chihuahuan Desert plants. There are also special spots to view the Franklin Mountains and Mount Sierra Blanca. You can even see outdoor exhibits that show what Apache life was like.
- Flora from the El Paso Museum of Archaeology
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Mexican Poppies blooming outside the El Paso Museum of Archaeology.
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Fendler's Hedgehog Cactus. Echinocereus fendleri outside the museum.
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Claret cup cactus in spring bloom.
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Ocotillo flowering in front of other desert flowers.
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Claret cup cactus and desert flowers in bloom.
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Prickly Poppy (Argemone pleiacantha) in spring bloom.
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Ocotillo Leaves in front of the El Paso Museum of Archaeology.
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Cholla cactus at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology.
See also
