About
Used commonly on signage by the U.S. National Park Service, “Take only photographs, leave only footprints” is often seen as the umbrella code of conduct for all visitors to any of its 400+ majestic locations. But for many visitors to one in particular - Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park - the temptation to procure some of its glittery, colorful rocks as keepsakes has proven to be irresistible. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on the party), that act and the retention of such treasures is long-rumored to be cursed – prompting the return of hundreds or more of these “souvenirs” each year. The letters which often accompany such submissions are maintained within the archives of the Park’s library and, as one might guess, are often infinitely more colorful than whatever the returned specimen may be. With the grandeur of the Park as the backdrop, The Conscience Files tells of the woes and now (hopefully) redemptive journey of some of these notorious “return” visitors, in their words, as written.
