New Offering: Spanish-Language Program this Spring

This April, Colorado National Monument Association (CNMA) was able to offer our first Spanish-language program, “Aprende Sobre El Trabajo en Roca en Colorado National Monument” which translates to “Learn About Rock Work at Colorado National Monument”. This free program came together with support from a current Colorado National Monument NPS mason, Beverly Lopez who gave a presentation on historic preservation methods.

Beverly Lopez is a true a rock star, pun intended. She began her journey at Colorado National Monument as an intern and is now a seasoned professional mason. Beverly has mastered the art of shaping rock and preserving history. She happily agreed to provide a Spanish-language program for CNMA, telling participants about the history of road building and historic structures at Colorado National Monument which includes the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Mission 66.

Many of the structures built at Colorado National Monument were originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) starting in 1933. The most easily observed CCC work is the stonework at many overlooks and the rock guard walls along Rim Rock Drive.

Beverly and the historic mason crew at Colorado National Monument use the same methods as the CCC, they quarry rocks on site and hand shape each individual stone for placement. In addition, they restore the mortar as well using historic techniques.

Then she provided demonstrations of hand shaping and splitting rocks. Beverly showcases how the Colorado National Monument mason’s techniques still echo the craftsmanship of the past. Hand-shaping sandstones, she brings to life the labor and skill behind our beloved monument.

The next time you visit Colorado National Monument, take a moment to look at the craftmanship that is interwoven into the landscape. It looks so natural and can be hard to think the structures weren’t already there.

If you missed Beverly’s incredible demo, you just might see her at work in the monument, helping to preserve the history of this special place.

Join us for more Spanish-language programs as we explore new topics together.

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