The featured speaker will be Neil Weintraub, a retired Kaibab National Forest Archaeologist. Having conducted archaeological surveys and documentation of cultural sites across the Verde Valley in the late 1980s for Coconino National Forest Archaeologist Peter Pilles, Neil was called to help with his skills when the find of a century presented itself.

Also joining in on the presentation will be Peter Pilles. He received his BA degree from Arizona State University in 1967. He worked at the Museum of Northern Arizona from 1967 until 1975, when he became the Forest Archaeologist for the Coconino National Forest until retiring last year. Most of his archaeological survey and excavation work has been on the Navajo Reservation and in the Salt River valley, the Flagstaff area, and the Verde Valley.

The 1991 Tim’s Cave discovery was the result of a tourist flight on the outskirts of Sedona. Its discovery and subsequent findings led archaeologists to have a much better understanding of the cultural history of the Native ancestors of this region.

During his presentation, Neil will take you on a journey of the past, while highlighting the nearby ancient sites of Palatki, Honanki, and the Crane Petroglyphs that are open to public visitation.

You will learn about the importance of these special places located in the most beautiful of places where we live — the Verde Valley. Be prepared to be inspired!

“Past Cultures of the Verde Valley: Highlighting 1991 Tim’s Cave Discovery” will be presented at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre on Sunday, March 8 at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 to benefit the VVCAAS. For tickets and more information, please call 928-282-1177. Both the theatre and film festival office are located at 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, in West Sedona.

Photo credit: Andy Seagle