Eight miles east of Carefree is the Hohokam Blue Wash site, an archaeological treasure. There, a wall in a house ruin included a spiral petroglyph (an image incised onto a rock). Two broken metates or grinding stones, artifacts that are associated with women, were included in the wall on either side of the petroglyph in an apparent intentional placement. The petroglyph faced inward into the room. This room was dated at 1150-1200 CE (AD).

What was the symbolic meaning to this family who chose to place it close to their daily lives? Another archaeological puzzle.



Movement is inherent in the spiral design.

The spiral motif is a very ancient design with no single interpretation.

Common interpretations are a spiritual journey, the cyclic nature of life, a calendar and as an indicator of water.

Why was the spiral important to this family? Facing the interior personal space, the honoring of the cycle of life and a spiritual journey for the owner of the metates and this family seems plausible explanation. We will never know but can honor the Hohokam and the religion that affected every part of their life.

Photo: Gwen Harwood at work in Collections.

On Saturday, November 1 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., meet Steve Hoza, a native Phoenician, who has worked in the museum field his entire career. 

Steve is a recognized authority on the history of World War II in Arizona. Steve has written on the World War II German POWs held in Arizona and the military training airfields during the war. During his presentation, historical photographs and artifacts will be shared.

Details below.

November 1

2:00 - 4:00 pm

Arizona's

World War II Airfields

Historian Steve Hoza spent more than a year flying over the entire state photographing and documenting more than 50 airfields that were used during WWII. Cadets from the USA, Great Britain and China prepared for battle on training fields located in Arizona.  

FREE

Kiwanis' Preschool Pioneers

 November 6

10:00 - 11:00 am

Children ages 3-5 (accompanied by an adult) will hear stories with a historical theme, interact through music and movement, and engage in activity that promotes learning.

TWO DATES!

The Arizona Gold Mining Experience™

November 8 and November 22

10:00 - 11:30 am

(Check in 9:00 am)

The Cave Creek Museum’s AZ GOLD MINING EXPERIENCE™ is unique with its display of the complete hard rock ore extraction process, with the mine shaft, tramway, ore carts, crushing and extraction, which are always on display, but operated on second Saturdays.

The highlight is Arizona’s only fully operational ten-stamp ore crushing mill. 

Gold Fever Jeep Adventure

November 8

1:00 - 4:30 pm

This one-of-its-kind gold mine adventure tour is the perfect way to spend an exciting day. Meet your knowledgeable guide and follow the same vein of gold that Old Rackensack chased in 1880. This mine was were instrumental in the founding of Cave Creek. Register now! Limited to 9 adult guests. 

Desert Discovery Days

November 15

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

held at the Jewel of the Creek

Unplug and join us for the 13th annual Desert Discovery Day — a day of digital detox, fresh air, fun, and adventure for everyone!

**Registration is not required for this event.**

Come and enjoy a beautiful day.

Hi, All,

It’s Mid-Fall in Arizona – the reason that we put up with July and August in the Desert Southwest. 

As we go into the Holiday Season, our wonderful staff and volunteers are providing us with another interesting Museum Season. Visitors are streaming in, and our event schedule features a variety of activities for both adults and children. 

Your Board of Directors is also working to organize a major fundraising event for next Spring, our Miners Dinner. We’ll provide more information as we approach that time.

We are also planning an update to the Museum Strategic Plan, with a planning session scheduled to begin after the New Year. 

We are actively seeking a new staff member to fill the role of Advancement & Fundraising Specialist. If you or someone you know may be interested in this part-time position, please request more information by writing to director@cavecreekmuseum.com.

See you at the Museum!

Pat O'Brien

Photo: Pat (left) and pooch

Thanksgiving!

A Time for Food, Family and Fun!

The Cave Creek Museum store has lots of new items this season, including a number of Southwest-themed jigsaw puzzles that are sure to please. When that big family get-together happens on Thanksgiving this year, you’ll want a fun activity for all to take part in. What better way to gather the fam around - and keep your crazy uncle Larry from talking politics all night - than to have a jigsaw puzzle set up and in progress!

Get ‘em while they last!



Remember! Members a receive 10% discount!

Nuggets Graphic Artist and Editor: Stephanie Bradley

CAVE CREEK MUSEUM BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2025-2026

President: 

Pat O’Brien (2024-2027)

Vice President:

Marcia D’Alessandro (2023-2026)

Secretary:

Tammy Martin-Causey (2025-2028)

Treasurer

Keith Otsuka (2023-2026)

Directors

David Ackerman (2025-2028)

David Griffiths (2024-2027) 

Reg Monachino (2025-2028)

Tamsin Wolff (2024-2027)

Staff

Jo Ann Stuckey -- Executive Director

Buck Columna – Operations Manager

Gene Bouldin – Store Manager

Molly Tufts – Bookkeeper

www.cavecreekmuseum.org

480-488-2764