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DOUGLAS — Cochise College will host a reception to unveil the new archeology collection on display in the Douglas Campus Administration Building at 5 p.m. April 9, prior to the monthly governing board meeting.
“The Prehistoric Peoples of Cochise County” is a collection of artifacts from an archaeology program that thrived during the first two decades after Cochise College opened its doors. Students studied archeology and anthropology through excavation and survey programs.
“At least seven major excavations took place during the years of the active program,” said Rebecca Orozco, history instructor at the college. “Surveys that collected sample materials during the years of the archaeology program covered the whole county, resulting in a study collection of ceramics from prehistoric cultures in the area that rivals or indeed surpasses any other existing collection.”
The college has also received donations from local families of items collected over many years from Cochise County and northern Mexico, as well as a 1974 donation of artifacts seized by U.S. Customs.
“Cochise College possesses an incredible resource,” Orozco said. “We have quite a collection of artifacts, including ceramics, stone, human and other bone, and assorted other materials.”
The first installation display of these artifacts, housed in the entrance of the Administration Building, is funded by a contribution from alumni John and Rosaline Pintek, Bisbee and Douglas natives, respectively. John Pintek was the college’s first Student Government president and is a former Cochise County sheriff. The couple lives in Las Vegas, N.M., but they return to southeast Arizona regularly and often attend Apache basketball games on the Douglas Campus.
To learn more about “The Prehistoric Peoples of Cochise County” event or the collection, contact Rebecca Orozco at orozcor@cochise.edu or (520) 417-4772.
Anyone needing an accommodation in order to attend the reception should contact the Disability Services Office at (520) 515-5337 or (520) 417-4023 at least 72 hours in advance.