The Falls Creek Rock Shelters, Reanalysis, Repatriation, and Reconciliation

Discovered in 1937 amid a surge of pothunting in the American Southwest, the Falls Creek Rock Shelters in Durango, Colorado, quickly became one of the most significant archaeological sites in the region. The site’s remarkable preservation of perishable materials attracted both amateur and professional archaeologists, culminating in Earl Morris and Robert Burgh’s landmark 1954 study on the Eastern Basketmakers.

Now, Dawn Mulhearn and Mona Charles are introducing their new book at the Durango Public Library — near where the story began. Bringing together experts in chronometry, rock art, bioarchaeology, and material culture, the work reexamines the site with fresh perspectives, advanced methodologies, and crucial tribal consultation.