Road Scholar Instructor Rich Friedman Inspires Curiosity & Connection
What makes a good teacher? Road Scholar instructor Richard Friedman’s students say that his vast knowledge and his ability to both inspire curiosity and leave room for discovery is what sets him apart.
Mark Richard Friedman
As the expert for Road Scholar’s, Ancient Puebloans: Mesas, Monuments, Canyons and More, Richard is celebrated as much as the program’s captivating geography and subject matter. Sandra, a participant from Hawaii, Road Scholar Class of ’22, describes him as a model teacher who allows room for personal exploration: "Richard left space as he shared his expertise so that we could fill it with our own experiences."
Chimney Rock National Monument, CO
An archaeologist with decades of experience with Chacoan culture, Richard has done extensive work in cultural and archeological resource documentation, management and research. He has participated in projects with the National Park Service, the Navajo Nation, the Bureau of Land Management, NASA, the Solstice Project and the University of Colorado and has co-authored several papers on Chacoan archaeology and the use of remote sensing technology.
Artifacts from Salmon Ruins, NM
Beyond his research, Richard actively works with indigenous communities to create a more collaborative voice in archaeology. He loves his work, and he loves teaching. A Road Scholar instructor for ten years, he’s also been an adjunct professor for 20 and an archaeologist, professionally, since 1992.
“I love seeing the lightbulb come on when I’m teaching,” Richard says, “helping students connect the dots between the land, history and people is so rewarding.” To that end, the Road Scholar program he leads is meticulously and thoughtfully designed, weaving connections across locations — from Chaco Canyon to Aztec and Chimney Rock.
Chaco Culture National Historical National Park, NM
One of the things Richard loves about the program is that the teacher-participant relationship is reciprocal. “Road Scholars are amazing — they are all well-educated with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints," he notes. "Every program becomes a shared experience, enriching both their learning journey and mine."
Richard's own journey into archaeology was sparked by curiosity. Originally a physical education student, he discovered his passion for geology and archaeology, eventually settling on the Navajo Reservation in Chaco in 1985. "The Chaco culture's achievements in astronomy and architecture are awe-inspiring," Richard explains. "Working closely with the Navajo has provided invaluable perspectives in my work.”
Mesa Verde National Park, CO
Road Scholars benefit immensely from these insights as well. "Participants get to see what the Chacoans achieved over 1,000 years ago," Richard explains, saying that their accomplishments challenge common misconceptions about Native Americans. “Not many realize how advanced they were, and on this program, participants get to experience the Navajo nation and get to see what life is like. Modern-day Pueblos have full, happy lives with no running water and no electricity. That can surprise people, but these communities don’t see themselves as missing out — values change depending on culture.”
The impact of Richard's teaching is evident in the program's glowing reviews and Road Scholar's enthusiasm. “He will not sing his own praises,” says Road Scholar Program Operations Manager Bryn Geddes. “He is such an interesting guy and incredibly kind. We’re adding him to one of our other programs, not only because he’s an incredible geologist, but because he’s such a delight.”
Canyon de Chelly National Monument, AZ
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