May 31, 2021 - HARRISON, Neb. – Fossil discoveries, ranching history and American Indian culture combine to make Agate Fossil Beds a unique resource for the Nebraska Panhandle for over half a century. On Saturday, June 5th from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., the monument is celebrating its 56th anniversary with guest speakers and demonstrators from around the region on each of these topics. The event will be free, family-friendly, and fun!
The monument’s anniversary is not just a celebration of the National Park Service’s presence in the community, but the close connection between the community and the NPS, said Dan Morford, Superintendent of Agate Fossil Beds and Scotts Bluff National Monuments.
Tipis representing the Sioux and Crow traditions will be raised on the monument lawn.
Photo credit: NPS
“This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate, with our community and neighbors, the stories that make this place so unique,” Morford said. “We have three very different presenters scheduled that will pique a wide range of interests.”
Dr. Robert Hunt, professor emeritus of paleontology at University of Nebraska will be speaking on the importance of the Agate Springs fossil finds to the understanding of the Age of Mammals. Guss Yellow Hair and other guests from the Lakota tribe will be erecting two tipis on the visitor center lawn. Sam Skavdahl, local rancher, will be demonstrating traditional ranching skills in commemoration of ranchers James and Kate Cook, who originally discovered the fossils.
Saturday is also the grand opening of the Agate Fossil Beds Park Store, through a partnership with Black Hills Parks and Forests Association.
“We are excited to be celebrating the 56th anniversary with Agate Fossil Beds National Monument,” said Patty Ressler, BHPFA Executive Director. “BHPFA staff have worked very closely with Agate Fossil Beds NM staff to create a wide selection of high quality, site-specific products that help tell the story of the monument.”
BHPFA is an official non-profit partner which manages the park store, returning a portion of proceeds to the monument for educational materials and programs. This helps partners like Agate Fossil Beds to fulfill their missions of sustaining and preserving our natural legacies.
The James Cook Collection of Northern Plains Indian Artifacts is also re-opening, after being closed for COVID-19.
For more information about the Agate Fossil Beds Anniversary, including schedule of events, please contact the visitor center at (308) 665-4113, visit nps.gov/agfo or follow on Facebook and Twitter @AgateFossilBeds.
Dr. Robert Hunt, professor emeritus Univ of Nebraska, will be speaking on the importance of the Bonebed of Agate to paleontology.
Source & photo credit: NPS
