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The Visitor Center at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, closed for redesign since March 1, will reopened to the public on June 7, 2004 at 8 a.m. The National Park Service, in partnership with the Museum of Northern Arizona, has created new interpretive exhibits to replace those installed in the 1970s. Visitors will learn about current scientific ideas about the volcano, the surrounding geological and ecological systems, how the volcano transformed the landscape and how certain species of plants and animals have adapted to a harsh environment. Cultural perspectives from American Indians of the area are explored, along with the historical human witness to the eruption.

Funded through the Recreation Fee Demonstration Program, the new exhibits and building upgrades represent countless hours of effort by National Park Service (NPS) staff and partners. Exhibit design and fabrication was accomplished though a partnership with the Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA). “The relationship between MNA and the Flagstaff Area National Monuments goes back to their establishment. MNA conducted all of the early scientific research at the site, its founders were instrumental in setting aside Sunset Crater as a national monument, and it currently houses National Park Service objects from excavations over more than six decades. It is fitting that we have worked together to better interpret this area for our visitors,” said NPS Exhibit Specialist Sue Fischer. “The list of other partners on this project is quite extensive and includes various tribal representatives, scientists, academics and staff from other agencies. The support has been overwhelming.”

Sunset Crater Volcano was established in 1930 to protect the most recent volcanic eruption on the Colorado Plateau; it is one of some 600 volcanoes in the San Francisco Peaks Volcanic Field. The eruption and its aftermath figure prominently in the history and culture of several American Indian tribes. “The combination of natural and cultural history of Sunset Crater offers a wonderful opportunity for the public to learn about the forces that formed our planet and how humans have interacted with the volcano over the years. We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the new look of the visitor center,” said Park Superintendent Palma Wilson.

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