Crow Canyon Archaeological Center

Founded in 1983, Crow Canyon Archaeological Center is a 501c3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower present and future generations by making the human past accessible and relevant through archaeological research, experiential education, and Indigenous knowledge. Located near Cortez, Colorado, the Center provides students, teachers, and lifelong learners with opportunities to learn about the rich and complex cultures and histories of the Mesa Verde region. Founded on the belief that many ways of knowing build empathy and resilience, the Center brings together Indigenous perspectives, archaeological research, and inquiry-based learning to help people connect with our shared human heritage. Your support enables the Center to continue protecting irreplaceable cultural heritage, educating the next generation of critical thinkers, and advancing inclusive knowledge of the human journey.

Your Colorado Gives Day gift will go toward our new Educational Resilience Fund which will provide scholarships to elementary and middle schools to participate in educational programming on our campus and via our Mobile Learning Lab.  

Crow Canyon is designated as a Colorado Enterprise Zone Contribution Project.

Testimonials

"Crow Canyon was an experience and memory from the 1980s with my son when he was in the 5th grade.  I will always cherish those times. I am honored to make a contribution; I appreciate the work that the center is doing."—David, North Carolina

"Every time I have brought a group to Crow Canyon (11 years now), I have been reminded of how important it is for our students to not focus on a grade, winning, or finding something cool, but focus on the broader context and what they discover. I also appreciate that Crow Canyon lets students discover but emphasizes the importance of respecting things, traditions, and cultures. It is a rare opportunity for students to engage with adults who have the level of Indigenous knowledge that the staff at Crow Canyon has. I also have to mention the food, Crow Canyon serves the best food of any program I have ever attended.” —Tina Sleigh, Orchard Mesa Middle School

"The Mobile Learning Lab was a great interactive, hands-on, and inquiry-based lesson that matched perfectly with our learning in class. Students had fun identifying artifacts, analyzing their usage and origin, then comparing them from other stations."—Tristin Koch, Arvada Middle School

“I feel that the strongest message that was shared during our visit was one of respect—respect for different people of different cultures, respect for people who lived before us, and respect for those who will come after us.” —Children's Kiva Montessori Teacher