HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 43

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2011

INTRODUCED BY

Jimmie C. Hall

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING RETURN TO THE PEOPLE OF NEW MEXICO THE ARTIFACTS TAKEN FROM CHACO CANYON DURING THE HYDE EXPLORING EXPEDITION IN THE YEARS 1896 THROUGH 1900, LED BY GEORGE H. PEPPER OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY IN NEW YORK CITY.

     WHEREAS, the main focus of the Hyde exploring expedition was the accumulation of artifacts from Chaco canyon for the collection at the American museum of natural history in New York City; and

     WHEREAS, by the end of the nineteenth century, private collectors' removal of artifacts from Chaco canyon caused serious concerns about protecting historic ruins and artifacts; and

     WHEREAS, the removal of artifacts from Chaco canyon prompted the passage of the Federal Antiquities Act of 1906 that protected antiquities from removal by private collectors; and

     WHEREAS, the accomplishments of the ancient people of Chaco canyon are part of the history and traditions of the modern-day Pueblos of New Mexico, the Hopi of Arizona and the Navajo; and

     WHEREAS, the descendants of the people who built the cultural phenomenon centered in Chaco canyon are members of twenty Indian tribes in New Mexico and Arizona; and

     WHEREAS, the people of New Mexico take great pride in the long and rich history and traditions of the Indian tribes in this state; and

     WHEREAS, for the benefit of both residents and visitors of the state, the Chaco Culture museum at the Chaco Culture national historical park is the most appropriate site for display and scientific research of the artifacts;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the national park service be requested to work to restore the artifacts taken from Chaco canyon by the Hyde exploring expedition for permanent display and scientific research at the Chaco Culture museum at the Chaco Culture national historical park; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the national park service, the Chaco Culture museum at the Chaco Culture national historical park and the members of the New Mexico congressional delegation.

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