Bernalillo fundraising group to host tour for historic sites at four corners

The Friends of Coronado and Jemez Historic Site are hosting a fundraising tour of the Four Corners region from Sept. 25-27 to benefit the Coronado and Jemez Historic Sites.

According to a release, the tour includes stops at several historic parks and archaeological ruins around the Four Corners region. The excursion includes double-occupancy hotel rooms, most meals, museum and park entry fees, presentations and transportation via air-conditioned motor coach.

“The friends group is a fundraising arm to support and protect the sites and to foster relationships with like-minded people who also enjoy history, anthropology and archaeology,” Sherry Hardage, friends president, said.

Through donations and fundraising events like the Four Corners tour, the group is able to cover costs associated with everything from the preservation of the two sites to providing scholarships for academic research to docent training programs, special events and programming, among many other purposes.

“There are many opportunities for anyone to use their backgrounds and skill sets as friends members, and to take part on fun excursions like this trip while helping to support the sites," Hardage said.

Attendees of the trip will also receive a complimentary one-year friends membership, which entitles recipients to free access to site events, park entry and discounts at partners businesses, among other benefits, throughout the year.

The itinerary for the three-day, two-night excursion includes a visit to a guided tour of Aztec Ruins National Monument, Salmon Ruins, Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument and opportunities to hike. A full itinerary may be found at coronadojemezfriends.org/about-4.

All proceeds benefit both the Coronado and Jemez Historic Sites. The trip is capped at a maximum of 50 people, so early registration is highly suggested as space will fill quickly. The deadline to register is Sept. 15. Payment and registration may be made online or in person either at the Towa Gift Shop at Jemez Historic Site in Jemez Springs, or Sun Father’s Gift Shop at Coronado Historic Site in Bernalillo. Details, including itinerary, will be sent once registration is received.

For questions or concerns, email president.fchs@gmail.com or visit kuaua.org/trip-itineraryregistration. For more information about the friends group or to become a member, visit coronadojemezfriends.org/.