New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs
Recent News About New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs
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New Signage to Find Your Way Around Lincoln Historic Site
Lincoln Historic Site in New Mexico has unveiled nine new building signs in an effort to help visitors navigate the historic town. The signs highlight the buildings and landmarks of the area, known for its rich history dating back to the 1870s and 1880s during the Lincoln County War.“These signs will greatly aid our guests in orienting them through the historic town of Lincoln. We are hopeful that they will encourage guests to learn more about the architectural history of the area and the people who made Lincoln a community,” said Dr. C. L. Kieffer Nail, New Mexico...
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Conservation Across Generations: NM Museum Welcomes Ted Turner's Son's Photography Exhibition
The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science is set to showcase a new traveling exhibition that celebrates the conservation legacy of media mogul Ted Turner through the lens of his son, Rhett Turner. The exhibition, titled "Conserving America’s Wildlands: The Vision of Ted Turner," will open on Saturday, May 11, featuring stunning photography capturing the beauty of America's wild places.NMMNHS Executive Director Dr. Anthony Fiorillo expressed his admiration for Rhett Turner's work, stating, "Rhett Turner’s stunning photography captures some of America’s wildest...
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El Palacio Magazine Hosts Reading Panel and Q&A Event
El Palacio magazine is set to host a reading panel and Q&A event featuring three contributors to the spring 2024 issue. The event will be moderated by the editor of El Palacio, Emily Withnall.The announcement invites the public to "Please join us for a reading panel and Q&A with three contributors to the spring 2024 issue of El Palacio magazine." The event will provide attendees with the opportunity to engage with the writers and gain insight into their work.Following the readings, Emily Withnall will facilitate a Q&A session, allowing audience members to ask questions...
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Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Native Treasures Art Market with Museum of Indian Arts & Culture
Santa Fe, NM – The Native Treasures Art Market is celebrating its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous artists. The market will take place over Memorial Day Weekend, from Saturday, May 25 to Sunday, May 26, 2024, at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico.Artist Nocona Burgess, reflecting on the growth of the market, expressed his satisfaction, stating, "I've been doing NT since the first show and have enjoyed how much it has grown. I feel like I've grown along with the show,...
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Have a Wooly Good Time at Bosque Redondo Memorial Fiber Fair
The upcoming Fiber Fair at Bosque Redondo Memorial at Fort Sumner Historic Site is set to offer visitors a unique and educational experience on Saturday, May 4, 2024. The event will showcase the rich history of New Mexico through various wool-related activities and demonstrations.Aaron Roth, the Bosque Redondo Memorial Site Manager, expressed his excitement for the event, stating, "Let this event be a celebration and appreciation of the centuries-old weaving traditions that have flourished in the beautiful state of New Mexico.”Attendees of all ages will have the...
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Two Weeks Left to Make Nominations for the 2024 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts
The New Mexico Arts Commission and the New Mexico Arts Division have announced that nominations are open for the 2024 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts. The awards, which celebrate the significant role of arts in the economic and cultural lives of New Mexicans, will accept nominations until April 24, 2024."We are incredibly fortunate to live in a state where arts and culture are so deeply embedded in our everyday lives, so much so in fact, that we are at risk of taking them for granted," said Michelle Laflamme-Childs, New Mexico Arts Executive Director.The...
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History of History- NM Historic Preservation Division celebrates more than five decades of preservation in May
Santa Fe, NM – The New Mexico Historic Preservation Division (NMHPD) and historians are gearing up to celebrate National Preservation Month in May, an annual event that highlights the importance of preserving historic places for future generations. State Historic Preservation Officer Jeff Pappas emphasized the significance of this month, stating, "Historic preservation is a year-round effort in New Mexico and across the country, but National Preservation Month reminds us each year that preserving historic properties means preserving the lifeblood of communities across the...
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Landmark Exhibition "Off-Center: New Mexico Art, 1970-2000" to Open at New Mexico Museum of Art Vladem Contemporary
Santa Fe, NM – The New Mexico Museum of Art is set to unveil a groundbreaking exhibition, "Off-Center: New Mexico Art, 1970-2000," at the Vladem Contemporary. The showcase, running from June 8, 2024, to May 4, 2025, will take visitors on a journey through the state's artistic evolution over three transformative decades."With more than 125 visionaries contributing to the tapestry of this exhibition, Off-Center weaves together a diverse array of artistic expressions, each reflecting the spirit of its time," shared Christian Waguespack, Head of Curatorial Affairs at NMMOA....
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NM Museum of Natural History & Science Earns Reaccreditation from AAM
The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science (NMMNHS) has proudly announced that it has been awarded reaccreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), a prestigious recognition that only a small fraction of museums across the country achieve.In a statement, NMDCA Cabinet Secretary Debra Garcia y Griego expressed her excitement, stating, “Visitors to New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science know the museum is one of our state’s crown jewels, and we’re thrilled to see the institution recognized at the national level.”The accreditation from AAM,...
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Research Shows Impact of 'Forever Chemicals' Near Holloman Air Force Base
Albuquerque, NM – New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science (NMMNHS) Bioscience Curator Dr. Jason Malaney, a key contributor to the research, revealed the startling findings of high levels of chemical contamination in wildlife near Holloman Air Force Base in Southern New Mexico. The study, published in Environmental Research, uncovered dangerously high concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as 'forever chemicals,' including perfluorooctanosulfonic acid and perfluorooctoanoic acid.Dr. Anthony Fiorillo, NMMNHS Executive Director,...
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Learning "the way it was" at Coronado Historic Site in Bernalillo
Students from Albuquerque’s Native American Community Academy recently had the opportunity to immerse themselves in history at the Coronado Historic Site and Kuaua Pueblo. According to a statement from the Department of Cultural Affairs, the students engaged in learning "about the old ways of corn grinding on a metate, irrigation of crops, and water management" during their visit.The educational experience allowed the students to gain insights into traditional practices and historical methods of living off the land. By interacting with the Department of Cultural Affairs...
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Annual Folk Art Flea to Support Museum of International Folk Art
The 13th annual Folk Art Flea, organized by the Museum of International Folk Art (MOIFA) and the Friends of Folk Art (FOFA), is set to take place on Saturday, May 4 at the Santa Fe County Fairgrounds. The event aims to support MOIFA's education programs and exhibitions, such as La Cartonería Mexicana / The Mexican Art of Paper and Paste, Staff Picks: Favorites from the Collection, and Between the Lines: Prison Art & Advocacy.According to Marcia Lenihan, co-chair of the Flea, "The Folk Art Flea is a Santa Fe favorite; people come back year after year for the great...
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21st CENTURY MEETS THE 14th CENTURY AT CORONADO HISTORIC SITE
Albuquerque’s 21st Century Academy students recently had the opportunity to immerse themselves in history at the Coronado Historic Site. On March 14, 2024, the students explored the beauty of the location and visited Kuaua Pueblo, which was constructed by the Tiwa People over 700 years ago.During their visit, the students actively participated in various activities. As mentioned in the press release, they "ground corn, learned about traditional gardening methods, and toured the painted kiva."In addition to the educational experience, the Coronado Historic Site is...
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21st Century Students Explore 14th Century Wonders at Coronado Historic Site
Students from Albuquerque’s 21st Century Public Academy recently had the opportunity to immerse themselves in history at the Coronado Historic Site. The visit took place on March 14, 2024, where the students explored the beauty of the location and had the chance to visit Kuaua Pueblo, a structure built by the Tiwa People over 700 years ago.During their visit, the students engaged in various activities, including grinding corn, learning about traditional gardening methods, and touring the painted kiva. The experience provided them with a glimpse into the rich cultural...
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Celebrate New Beginnings at the New Mexico History Museum’s History Homecoming Free Community Day
Santa Fe, NM – After five years of rehabilitation work at the New Mexico History Museum (NMHM) Palace of the Governors, the Museum presents “History Homecoming: Past, Present, Palace” on Sunday, April 21, 2024, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. This free community event celebrates the hard work in making this beloved landmark brighter than ever, and will include interactive experiences, cultural art performances, demonstrations, and new exhibits inside the Palace."The Palace of the Governors is a nationally significant landmark with complex associations as a structure, site, symbol and...
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Apex Amphibian: NM Museum of Natural History & Science Researcher Contributes to Discovery of Massive Prehistoric Carnivore
Albuquerque, NM – An international team of researchers, including a research associate from the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science (NMMNHS), has unveiled a groundbreaking discovery of a new species of carnivorous amphibian that roamed the Earth nearly 300 million years ago.Dr. Anthony Fiorillo, the Executive Director of NMMNHS, highlighted the significance of the finding, stating, “Not only does this discovery increase our understanding of life before the dinosaurs, but it also demonstrates the value of international collaboration in paleontology.” He further...
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NM Department of Cultural Affairs Launches Ekphrastic Poetry Contest Inspired by Artwork in its Collections
In a bid to celebrate the intersection of art and poetry, the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs (NMDCA) has initiated a statewide ekphrastic poetry contest, drawing inspiration from artwork displayed across the state."The artwork on display throughout the Department of Cultural Affairs reminds us that beauty and inspiration are all around us," stated NMDCA Director of Communications and Marketing, Daniel Zillmann.The contest, aimed at highlighting the artistic and cultural heritage of New Mexico, features 10 selected works of art from various NMDCA divisions,...
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Spring Cleanup Time at Bosque Redondo Memorial
The Bosque Redondo Memorial at Fort Sumner Historic Site is currently undergoing its annual Spring cleanup, as announced by the site management. This effort aims to prepare the site for visitors keen on exploring the rich history and enjoying the serene surroundings, which now include newborn lambs.According to the site management, the staff is actively engaged in finalizing various interpretive and facility improvement projects, ensuring a more engaging and informative experience for visitors. The site operates from Wednesday to Sunday, welcoming guests from 10 a.m. to 4...
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Planting Season Springs Up at Los Luceros Historic Site in Alcalde, New Mexico
Planting Season is “Springing” up on us at Los Luceros Historic Site in Alcalde, New Mexico. Our team is already getting ready for Summer and the Fall Harvest Season with Farm and Ranch Ranger Ray Valdez plowing the fields to get them ready for alfalfa seeds and the baby chile sprouts that are still snuggling in their starter flats.The Los Luceros Historic Site is gearing up for the upcoming season, with preparations underway for a bountiful Summer and Fall harvest. Farm and Ranch Ranger Ray Valdez is diligently plowing the fields in anticipation of planting alfalfa seeds...
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Buffalo Soldiers and Fort Stanton Recognized for Role in Taming the Wild West
Black troopers known as Buffalo Soldiers from Fort Stanton played a key role in the transition of New Mexico from a territory into a state. In recognition of the site’s significance to Black History, the National Park Service recently added the Fort Stanton Historic Site to its Reconstruction Era National Historic Network."In 1876 Buffalo Soldiers built the Fort Stanton Laundress Quarters which still stands at the site and is one of the few surviving structures directly associated with the Black troops. The fort and the structure are some of the most important Black...