The New Mexico History Museum and the Fray Angélico Chávez History Library have named Justin Riner as the 2025 recipient of the Steve Wimmer Historical Research Fund. Riner, a middle school teacher from Pasadena, California, will focus his research on Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt’s impact on New Mexico’s history, conservation efforts, and promotion between 1899 and 1916.
Riner has previously conducted significant research on Theodore Roosevelt. For this project, he will use resources such as National Monument Proclamations, Rough Riders and Association collections, maps, articles, and other archival materials.
"I’m so excited and grateful to be this year’s recipient of the Wimmer grant, a prize that honors the legacy of a man who inspired so many travelers to explore the history, beauty, and thriving charm of Santa Fe," said Riner. "The grant offers me the ability to work with the museum’s talented staff and fascinating archives to explore the relationship between the region and one of our country’s most exciting and enduring figures. This is an opportunity to learn and research which I wouldn’t have had access to without the grant, and I aim to make the most of it."
Established in 2021 in memory of Steve Wimmer—La Fonda on the Plaza’s long-serving head concierge—the fund aims to support those researching New Mexico history from 1879 to 1949. The program also aids library digitization projects and collection acquisitions.
Recipients receive a $1,500 stipend for up to one week in Santa Fe at La Fonda on the Plaza. During their stay, they conduct research at the museum library while engaging with local culture through tours and museum visits. In exchange for support from the fund, grantees are expected to present their findings publicly and write an article for either El Palacio or New Mexico Magazine.
The New Mexico History Museum provides opportunities for public engagement with diverse historical perspectives at its campus located near Santa Fe's historic plaza. More information about its programs can be found at https://nmhistorymuseum.org.
