Jemez Historic Site in Jemez Springs, New Mexico, is launching an Elders in Residence program from August 6 to 17, 2025. The initiative aims to connect youth and elders from the Pueblo of Jemez through interpretive tours, preservation projects, and garden maintenance.
Elders from the Pueblo will receive training to lead public tours and learn about site interpretation and preservation. They will collaborate with Jemez youth, sharing insights based on their training. "Jemez Historic Site is honored to host elders from the Pueblo of Jemez this summer. This gives the public an opportunity to hear about the stories and importance of the site directly from the people to whom it ancestrally belongs," said Wendi Laws, regional site manager.
Youth participants from Walatowa High Charter School in Jemez Pueblo will also undergo training and observe staff-led tours. They will engage in preservation, restoration, and interpretive garden maintenance activities. Both elders and youth will have opportunities to contribute their perspectives on site operations.
The program focuses on enhancing intergenerational cultural vibrancy while providing professional development for youth participants. Tours led by elders or youth are available Wednesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., included with admission priced at $7 for adults. Admission is free for children under 16, individuals with Native/Tribal affiliations, New Mexico disabled veterans, NM foster families, and members of Museum of New Mexico Foundation and Friends of Coronado and Jemez Historic Sites.
Jemez Historic Site features remnants of the Gisewa village built by ancestors of present-day Jemez Pueblo people over 700 years ago in San Diego Canyon. It also includes ruins of the San José de los Jémez Church dating back to 1621-22. The museum offers exhibitions narrated by the Jemez people along a 1,400-foot interpretive trail through outdoor ruins.
More information can be found at nmhistoricsites.org/jemez.
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