Blast from the Past: Firing of the 1541 Coronado Expedition Cannon Replica

Join us for a remarkable presentation featuring Dr. Deni Seymour, an internationally recognized archaeologist and leading expert on Native and Spanish Colonial history of the Southwest. She will be joined by fellow members of the Historical Arms Society of Tucson.

With more than 45 years of groundbreaking research, Dr. Seymour has uncovered the stories, landscapes, and people that shaped our desert region. Her work—combined with her dynamic storytelling—makes the past come alive. Together with special guests, she will explore the history and technology of early artillery in the Southwest.

Silent for nearly 500 years, two bronze cannons were discovered buried at the 1541 battle site of the Coronado Expedition townsite of Suya, near Nogales in southern Arizona. A highlight of the program will be an exhilarating live cannon firing and in-depth discussion of the cannon, its replica, and the critical role these weapons played during the expedition.

The original cannon will also be available for viewing.