The park brought its centennial to a conclusion in mid-November with a series of events, several featuring a Theodore Roosevelt stand-in.
On Friday, November 16th, more than 80 students from the San Lorenzo School displayed posters on why the park was special to them following a presentation by President Theodore Roosevelt stand-in Randy Milligan made possible through the New Mexico Humanities Council and the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. That evening, Milligan gave another presentation to 45 Silver City residents.
On Saturday, November 17th, the park hosted over 225 visitors at the Gila Visitor Center for an “Artifacts In Action” program and wilderness demonstrations by area artisans and US Forest Service personnel, a potluck luncheon provided by current and former volunteer staff, music by local singer/songwriter George Page, cowboy music and poetry by Mike Moutoux, and music by Native American drum maker and performer Yolanda Martinez and flutist Ranger Granger.
Earlier in the morning TR stand-in Milligan led a hike to the cliff dwellings and discussed President Roosevelt’s conservation ethics and how he came to them over the course of his life. After lunch, a time capsule was assembled with artifacts provided by the park’s staff and members of the audience. At the end of the day, guided tours of the TJ ruin site were attended by 40 visitors.
Superintendent Steve Riley extends a grateful “thank you” to all those who participated in and made the final days of the park’s centennial celebration the success it was.
