Photos and article by Mary Alice Murphy
WNMU Museum holds preview of renovations 072018
WNMU Museum holds preview of renovations 072018
WNMU President Joseph Shepard chats with former coach Jim Smith.
WNMU Museum holds preview of renovations 072018
The uncovered windows on the mezzanine bring in light and views of the surroundings. Two children look out the window.
WNMU Museum holds preview of renovations 072018
In the center, in black, Museum Director Cynthia Bettison chats with a visitor.
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WNMU Museum holds preview of renovations 072018
The first of two displays of the pottery making process
WNMU Museum holds preview of renovations 072018
The second display shows more of the tools and results
WNMU Museum holds preview of renovations 072018
Bettison has a spirited conversation with Marianne Smith of the Grant County Archaeological Society.
WNMU Museum holds preview of renovations 072018
Many residents and visitors toured the main floor of the museum.
WNMU Museum holds preview of renovations 072018
A group checks out the Mimbres pottery artifacts
WNMU Museum holds preview of renovations 072018
A sunny day highlights the view from the mezzanine
Karen Rossman, who worked at the Western New Mexico University in the 1990s, noted that at that time, the building did not have air-conditioning. "It's nice now."
She began as a graduate assistant and applied for the museum manager. "This museum is in my blood. I love this museum. It has kept its integrity with the renovations, but now everything matches, and it's so bright."
"The new art cases highlight the artifacts," Rossman continued. "When it first opened, the cases were handmade by students. And burlap was put on the walls. Cynthia has an excellent design concept. She has featured special bowls."
Bettison said the museum first opened in November 1974.