Loading

Lubbock Lake Landmark 50th Anniversary Celebration 50 years of research and public programming (1973-2023)

We are thrilled to celebrate 50 years of research and public programing at Lubbock Lake Landmark! It all began in 1973 when Dr. Eileen Johnson started the pioneering Lubbock Lake regional research program, and since then, hundreds of volunteers from around the world have participated in the regional research. Thanks to the volunteers' hard work and Dr. Johnson's guidance, the regional research program has become one of the longest-standing Quaternary field research programs in the United States. Landmark visitors share in this research and gain an understanding of this region’s cultural and natural heritage by way of annual public events and programs that encourage life-long learning.

Join us Tuesday through Saturday, July 18-22, 2023, to celebrate this incredible milestone and take a behind-the-scenes look at the Landmark's work.

Schedule of Events

Behind the Scenes Morning Tours

Tuesday, July 18 through Saturday, July 22, each day at 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Special Activities

Flintknapping

Thursday, July 20, 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon

Join Stance Hurst (Field Manager) and Doug Cunningham (Field Research Technician) as they share their expertise and demonstrate the process of crafting prehistoric stone tools.

Native American Story Telling

Tuesday, July 18 through Saturday, July 22, 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon

Eldrena “Blue Corn” Douma a Hopi-Tewa and Laguna storyteller, writer, and author. She is a great- great granddaughter of the noted potter Nampeyo. Growing up, her life with family and friends always included sharing pueblo stories, songs, teachable tales, and family history including both humorous and serious personal stories. Among her many events each year, she works with the Lubbock Lake Landmark during the annual Bison Week bringing her stories of American Indians to children and adults.

Pottery Making

Tuesday, July 18 through Saturday, July 22, 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon

Darlene Nampeyo, from the Hopi-Tewa Corn Clan, is a great-great granddaughter of noted potter Nampeyo of Hano as a descendant through Nampeyo’s eldest daughter Annie and Annie's eldest daughter Rachel. Her mother is Ruth James, a sister of Dextra Quotskuyva, Eleanor Lucas and Priscilla Namingha. The Museum of Texas Tech University has pieces from the Nampeyo family in its collection.

Livestock and grazing on the Southern High Plains

Tuesday, July 18 through Saturday, July 22, 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon

Learn about cattle branding techniques and stock raising from the Landmark's Historic Maintenance Supervisor and real life cowboy, Scott Trevey and about what life was like on the range from Landmark staff member Emily Ladd.

Chuck Wagon – information to be announced soon

Dawn of Time Fun Run™

Saturday, July 22, 6:30 a.m. (Distance 5K or 3K option). Drinks and refreshments will be provided for all participants.

Lace-up your sneakers for the inaugural 5K Dawn of Time Fun Run™. The trail begins at the Landmark’s Interpretive Center, winds through Yellowhouse Draw, past ongoing research excavation areas, and ends at the Interpretive Center. This is a Fun Run, a family-friendly event; everybody is invited to run, walk, or stroll at their own pace.

Registration Link Snag a 50th anniversary Dawn of Time Fun Run t-shirt when registering.