MNA-a place for what matters

Message from Mary –

Recent acts of violence against Black people have left us sad and angry. We recognize that these high-profile events are the latest in the long history of brutality against people of color in our nation. We must all be part of the solution to stop the killing, marginalization, and repression based solely on the color of a person’s skin.

Black lives matter. It’s not enough for us to make a statement about what we believe. We must use our platform in the world to take action.

The Museum of Northern Arizona was founded to share the diversity of the Colorado Plateau including the diverse peoples who live here. We value their many voices and experiences. The Museum of Northern Arizona is committed to both listening to those voices and making sure they are heard in our programs, exhibitions, staffing, and governance. To strengthen this process, we are establishing a community-based advisory committee representing the full diversity of our region. This committee will guide our institution to become more inclusive in all aspects of our work.

Mary Kershaw

Executive Director & CEO

Museum of Northern Arizona

Virtual visit: See what’s new at the museum

Thursday June 18, 2 pm via Facebook Live

From cleaning the courtyard to combining the bookstore and shop, we’ve used the shut down to make improvements to the exhibits building. We’ve also been preparing for a safe reopening. Join Membership Manager Nic Beckett for a virtual tour of the renewed museum and to see how the museum has prepared to welcome visitors back, when the time comes.

Woodcarving demonstration

Facebook Live on July 9, 3 pm

This live-stream event will showcase Hopi artist Ryan Gashweseoma, as he demonstrates and discusses his woodworking. Ryan is the owner of Talavi Woodwork, and incorporates Hopi motifs and designs his custom wood boxes and chests. This is one of a series of artist demonstrations which you will be able to watch live or after the fact at the MNA Facebook page.

Pollinators, pests, and all the rest

Tuesdays via Facebook Live

Each Tuesday MNA plant and garden experts share knowledge as a Facebook Livestream. Find some past presentations on the MNA Facebook page or on the MNA You Tube channel.

Join us live for these upcoming topics:

June 23 at 12 pm Garden insects, with Gary Alpert

June 30 at 12 pm Osha and other Hopi plants

Virtual Behind-the-Scenes tour: Archives

Thursday June 25, 2 pm via Facebook Live

Follow on Facebook as MNA Archivist Melissa Lawton shares original and unique materials such as letters and photographs. Learn more about how the history of MNA and research on the Colorado Plateau is preserved in the Museum’s archives and hear how archives inform ongoing research. Watch live or later on the MNA Facebook page.

Missed a program? It might be online.

If you miss a live program, you can probably watch the video later. Most MNA programs can be found afterward in the video section of the MNA Facebook page, which you can visit without joining Facebook. Some are also available on the MNA YouTube channel. Here are links to a few videos you might have missed:

Family Fridays: Geology Rocks!

Fridays at 2:30 pm via Facebook Live

Follow along on Facebook as MNA educator Mari Soliday presents a short program for kids each Friday. The next few weeks will focus on geology. The materials needed for each project are posted at musnaz.org the Wednesday before. Past programs can be found in the video section of the MNA Facebook page under the playlist Family Fridays and STEAM Saturdays.

It’s not too late to be a Jr. Paleontologist.

All ages are invited to participate in the Junior Paleontology program. New activities will continue to be posted each Wednesday through the Junior Paleontology group on the MNA Facebook page. Past activities also can be downloaded from musnaz.org. Anyone who participates can receive a certificate and badge.

Virtual tour: The Force Is With Our People

July 2, 3 pm via Facebook Live

Even if the museum is closed, you can see this exhibition featuring work by more than 20 contemporary Native artists who were influenced by Star Wars. Just go to the MNA Facebook page on July 2 for a tour of the exhibition with curator Tony Thibodeau, who will be ready to answer your questions.

October 31, 2020 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM.

Fans of fossils and Arizona’s colorful landscape will enjoy this trip to Petrified Forest National Park with geologist Dr. Kent Colbath. The day trip includes a short hike into a fossil field from the dawn of the “Age of Dinosaurs,” and a tour of the fossil preparation lab. Sign up by calling 928-774-5211 ext. 222 or Online.

May 3-6, 2021

Experience the beauty and magnificence of the Grand Canyon with seasoned professional guides/educators Helen Ranney and Lisa Kearsley. Each day we will hike a different trail (6 miles round trip or less) returning to a comfortable hotel in the evening. Sign up by calling 928-774-5211 ext. 222 or Online.

May 19-22, 2021

Join musicians Chris Brashear and Peter McLaughlin for a musical river trip. During the day, float through the magnificent Goosenecks and hike in side canyons. Spend the evenings beneath the stars enjoying music by two premiere western songwriters while reflecting on the day’s journey. Sign up by calling 928-774-5211 ext. 222 or Online.

A bookmark of distinction

Hold your place in style with these stunning silver bookmarks. Handcrafted by mother and daughter jewelry designers, each item features a silver bookmark hook with turquoise embellishments. If you need a book to put the marker in, browse online. Dad might enjoy reading a history on Navajo Code Talkers, Grand Canyon boatman stories, or a camping or hikingguide. These and more are available online and can be shipped or picked up curbside.