The Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College will open its newest exhibit, Parks, People, Preservation: Celebrating the National Park Service in the Southwest, with a reception from 4:00-6:00 pm. Drawing from the Center’s collections, the exhibit features national parks and monuments of the Four Corners states. Several of the thirteen national parks and thirty-seven monuments and historic sites and parks in Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico are represented. The national parks, monuments and historic sites and parks are places that provide us with the opportunity to form a deeper connection to the land, the people, and the past that anchors us as all Americans. There is simply no better getaway in the United States than a visit to one of our national parks.

An original copy of Gustaf Nordenskiöld’s book "The Cliff Dwellers of Mesa Verde" will be exhibited, as well as original historic photos and postcards from the Center’s permanent collections. Regional photographers’ works will also be displayed, as part of the Center’s Images of the Southwest Juried Photo Show. Awards for Best of Show, Best Color and Best Black and White photography will be announced at 5:30 pm. Light refreshments will be served. The exhibit runs through December 6th.