The Silver City Museum is pleased to announce the opening of a new exhibition, entitled Ranching in Grant County. This exhibit explores the history, art, social organizations, sports, and culture that surround this rural lifestyle. 

The museum will host an opening reception on Friday, February 1, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend. Light refreshments will be served.  Admission is free; donations greatly appreciated. The exhibit will be on display through December of 2019.

Gideon Lyda (seated), foreman and D.C. McMillen (standing) owner A.T. Cross Cattle Co., Grant Co., NM (circa 1900.) Photo courtesy of Silver City Museum CollectionPeople have raised livestock in Grant County since long before the county’s founding in 1868, and to this day ranching continues to play an important role in the economy and culture of the region. The exhibit Ranching in Grant County, presents historical photographs, artifacts, and family histories to tell the story of this place and how ranching in Grant County and surroundings has changed over time.  

Ranching families immigrating to Grant County brought a diversity of practices, and traditions from Mexico, Texas, California, and the Great Plains, which they combined and adapted to create a ranching culture unique to southwestern New Mexico.   Ranching families have been active and creative in expressing their culture and in contributing to their community.  The exhibit will showcase distinctive Grant County expressions including the outdoor sport of cowboy polo, local Western musicians, ranch management education and community charity programs.  

This exhibit is made possible thanks to the generous contributions of the Copper CowBelles and members of the local community who have given or loaned historical objects, family histories, or financial support.  

The Silver City Museum creates opportunities for residents and visitors to explore, understand, and celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of southwestern New Mexico by collecting, preserving, researching, and interpreting the region's unique history. Admission is free; a suggested donation of $5 helps support the museum’s education programs, collections care and exhibitions. For more information, please contact the museum at (575) 589-5921 store@silvercitymuseum.org, or visit the museum's website here.