Debra Garcia y Griego, Cabinet Secretary for Department of Cultural Affairs | americansforthearts.org
A restored 1929 Cadillac 341-B, known as the Harvey Car, will be on display in the lobby of the New Mexico History Museum from October 25 to November 9, 2025. The vehicle is one of the original cars used by Major Hunter Clarkson and Fred Harvey’s "Indian Detours," a tour service that operated between 1926 and the mid-1930s. These tours transported travelers from Santa Fe Railway stations to various attractions across the Southwest and played a role in introducing visitors to Native American arts and crafts.
The Harvey Car is on loan from Xanterra Travel and currently resides at Grand Canyon National Park, where it is used for driving excursions along the South Rim. Billy G. Garrett, Executive Director at New Mexico History Museum, said, "I want to thank Allan Affeldt, owner and restorer of several historic Harvey properties, for the suggestion to display the car, as well as the folks at Xanterra for their willingness to work with us."
The pop-up exhibit coincides with the 16th Annual Fred Harvey History Weekend scheduled for November 7–9, 2025. As part of this event, several programs are planned at the museum. On Friday, November 7 from 5:00–6:30 p.m., there will be a screening of "The Harvey Girls: Opportunity Bound" during Palace Avenue First Friday Art Walk; admission is free.
On Sunday, November 9 from 1:00–2:00 p.m., car expert Winslow Bent will present on the history and restoration of the featured Harvey Car. The museum also offers exhibitions related to Harvey Company history such as "Setting the Standard," "Forks in the Road: A Diner’s Guide to New Mexico," and "18 Miles and That’s As Far As it Got: The Lamy Branch of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad."
Lectures are also scheduled during Fred Harvey History Weekend on Friday and Saturday (November 7–8) from noon until 5:00 p.m. Speakers include Kathleen Dull (librarian and archivist at the History Museum), Stephen Fried (author and co-founder of Harvey Weekend), descendants of the Harvey family, among others. Tickets for these lectures cost $60 for in-person attendance or $25 for virtual participation.
Further information about tickets can be found online through https://nmhistorymuseum.org/exhibition/details/6917/harveycar-pop-up or https://nmhistorymuseum.org/programs/events/.
The New Mexico History Museum operates under the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. It aims to offer diverse perspectives on history while fostering dialogue that bridges social divides.
