The Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum is going through some changes.
Amanda Hoffman has been named acting manager of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, a temporary four-month assignment. The hiring process for a permanent manager to replace Marietta Eaton who retired in December 2018 is ongoing.
Hoffman plans include organizing the monument’s 20 year anniversary celebration in early June and supporting the monument’s application for Dark Sky Park status.
She will continue education programs and special exhibits planning and will be working with staff and consultants to refresh the main exhibit hall.
“It will be improved with new information and include new voices,” Hoffman said. “We want more of a Native American perspective throughout the museum so their voices are more strongly felt.”
The museum hours have changed and the entrance fee has increased to $6 this year, up from $3. A modern point-of-sale system is also being put in place, offering improved customer convenience and providing data on museum use.
The previous fee had been in place since 1985, and the increase was needed to keep up with rising costs, museums officials said. Funds from entrance fees will go directly toward CANM museum and monument programs.
The museum entrance fee is covered by holders of a National Parks Pass and America the Beautiful Pass.
The bookstore and gift shop at the CANM Visitor Center and Museum closed in December. Long-time operator Canyonlands Natural History Association informed museum officials they decided to close the bookstore so they could focus more on their stores at Utah National Parks.
A new bookstore operator and vendor for the CANM museum and visitor center will be sought, Hoffman said. The monument will advertise for proposals and evaluate them this year.
“We feel there will be some good interest for that opportunity,” said Connie Clementson, field manager for the Tres Rios District of the Bureau of Land Management.
jmimiaga@the-journal.com
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