The Mesa Verde Association (MVA) is a non-profit partner of Mesa Verde National Park (MEVE). Throughout the Association’s history employees and volunteers have enthusiastically collaborated with the National Park Service (NPS) and MEVE on a wide variety of programs and projects such as interpretation, research activities, and visitor services. Through direct cash aid generated by park bookstore revenue and the MVA membership program, we will contribute $150,000 in cash aid to the park in 2024.

Our mission is to be the innovative educational partner of MEVE that inspires life-long stewardship of the Mesa Verde region’s cultural and natural heritage.  

The Association provides educational and interpretive materials to visitors of MEVE through our publishing program which includes interpretive guide booklets and scientific monographs as well as, our highly curated bookstore offerings. We produce custom Mesa Verde products that are sold in our two retail stores in the Mesa Verdel Museum and the Mesa Verde Visitor & Research Center, as well as our online store.

The Mesa Verde Association strives to provide the highest quality merchandise that will enhance the visitor's experience of Mesa Verde National Park. All of the products in our stores are subject to a meticulous review process to ensure the greatest educational and interpretive value, and cultural sensitivity.

Our History

The MVA is a private, nonprofit organization, authorized by Congress and established in Mesa Verde National Park in 1930. The association is the second oldest cooperating association in the United States. 

In 1930 Mesa Verde National Park (MEVE) Naturalist, Paul Franke, founded the Mesa Verde Library Association, which came to be known as the Mesa Verde Museum Association (MVMA).  The MVMA was designated as a cooperating scientific and historical partner on April 1, 1937. In a letter from National Park Service Director, Newton Drury, dated May 12, 1950, the MVMA became authorized to use space in government-owned facilities. In 1960 a volunteer Board of Directors incorporated the MVMA as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  In the spring of 2022 MVMA began doing business as the Mesa Verde Association (MVA) and today is the only nonprofit partner of MEVE located within the park.

Below are additional links to information about MVA and our partners.