Dr. Ana Steffen, characteristically joyful while conducting a cultural resource survey in 2001. Photo Courtesy Valles Caldera Trust

VALLES CALDERA NEWS RELEASE

Dr. Ana Steffen passed away Feb. 16, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Dr. Steffen was one of the first federal employees to step foot on Valles Caldera National Preserve after it was acquired by the federal government in 2000 – first as an archaeologist for the U.S. Forest Service, Cultural Resources Coordinator for the Valles Caldera Trust, and finally as Cultural Resources Program Manager for the National Park Service.

She expanded the knowledge of human history in Valles Caldera and the Jemez Mountains through her work on large-scale archaeological surveys, fire and obsidian archaeology, and oral history collection. Her visionary work on obsidian chemistry alone is leading toward a better understanding of when and where obsidian artifacts were created.

Dr. Steffen was also an amazing storyteller. She had a gift for enthusiastically sharing her vast—and often complex—knowledge in a way that was relatable to listeners and ignited a passion to learn more.

“We are devastated by Ana’s passing. She was a tremendous human being and dear friend who dedicated her life to Valles Caldera. Her work has left an indelible mark on this landscape and the people who care for it,” VCNP Superintendent Jorge Silva-Bañuelos said. “It is my hope that her legacy will continue to serve as a guiding light for how this landscape, which she loved so much, should be managed and protected into the future,” he added.

Ana Steffen will be greatly missed.

Learn more about Ana Steffen and her contributions to Valles Caldera through the words of colleagues at the webpage Dr. Ana Steffen: A Legacy of Science Leadership (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov).