Yavapai County Free Library District: Winter Solstice Markers

As Summer winds down and Autumn makes its way to the Verde Valley, we are reminded that winter is not far away either. Leafless trees, colder temps, and of course shorter days are our distant futures. Marking winter’s imminent arrival, Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year. The next winter solstice will occur on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 4:21 AM EST. Did you know that this day was marked by the ancient Verde Valley Sinagua with two “sun daggers” at the Crane Petroglyph Heritage Site, southeast of Sedona? Well, if you answered no (or even if you did know) this is the perfect chance to learn all about that AND more with expert Ken Zoll!

The winter solstice is a time of year when the sun appears to stop and then turn north again, and many ancient cultures considered it to be an important event and celebrated it with rituals and ceremonies. Archaeoastronomer Ken Zoll documented the solar calendar at the Crane site, as well as at other area locations. Ken will discuss the importance of the winter solstice for ancient cultures including those at Stonehenge in England, Chichen Itza in Mexico, Newgrange in Ireland, Chaco Canyon in New Mexico and others. So, take a journey spanning not only time, but place with Ken as our guide as we step into the shoes of ancient peoples and learn the importance the skies had in their daily lives.

This program will be popular – all seating is on a first come, first serve basis!

Let’s meeet Ken!

Ken Zoll was a founding member of the Verde Valley Archaeology Center and Museum in Camp Verde, and was its Executive Director from 2012 to 2022. His research has focused on ancient astronomical practices, with several local discoveries. Ken has authored several books and journal articles, and offers classes and lectures on the archaeology of the area.