Gila Pueblo Archaeological Foundation facts for kids
The Gila Pueblo Archaeological Foundation was a special group that studied history by digging up and researching old things. They focused on the American Southwest and nearby areas. Harold S. Gladwin and Winifred (McCurdy) Gladwin started this foundation in 1928 in Globe, Arizona. It closed down in 1950.
How Gila Pueblo Started
Harold S. Gladwin used to work as a stockbroker in New York City. He decided to leave that job and moved to Santa Barbara, California. There, he met Winifred, who would become his wife. He also met William North Duane, who introduced Gladwin to his cousin, a famous archaeologist named A.V. Kidder.
Gladwin spent two seasons working with Kidder in northern Arizona. During this time, he became very interested in the history and ancient cultures of the Southwest. This strong interest inspired him to create the Gila Pueblo Archaeological Foundation.
Important Discoveries and Research
With Harold Gladwin's support and money, Gila Pueblo was able to dig up sites and do research all over the Southwest. One of the most important things they did was to help define the Hohokam culture. This was a group of ancient people who lived in the desert areas of Arizona. A young archaeologist named Emil Haury was part of this important work. In 1930, Haury became the assistant director of Gila Pueblo.
Another big achievement for Gila Pueblo was helping to define the Cochise culture. These were early people who lived in the Southwest, known for their tools and way of life before farming became common.
In 1950, Gila Pueblo closed its doors. The foundation gave its entire collection of artifacts (old objects) and research materials to the Arizona State Museum. This museum is located on the University of Arizona campus. The collection was first shown to the public in 1951. Today, the records from Gila Pueblo are kept at the Arizona State Museum Library & Archives. The building where the foundation was located is now part of Eastern Arizona College and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of its historical importance.
