Silver City -- The Silver City Museum will celebrate the release of a new Silver City history book - "Unpacking Silver City: Revealing the Rich Tapestry of a Historic Town" - conceived and edited by Museum Director Bart Roselli. The book brings together the research and writings of 10 distinguished, local historians who've explored numerous facets of Silver City's history, including cattle ranching and mining, the evolution and growth of the town, as well as stories of Chinese settlers, outlaws, enslaved people, Native Americans, and popular culture, among other topics. A book release and signing will take place at the museum on Saturday, November 15, from 3 - 6 p.m.
Inspiration for Unpacking Silver City began in 2019 with a grant from the New Mexico Humanities Council, when Roselli identified seven scholars who conducted extensive research then shared their findings with the public in a popular exhibit, as well as through the museum's "Community Conversation" series. Three additional scholars were identified to complete the 10 chapters of the book. Today that research has evolved into a highly readable and accessible history book, Silver City's first comprehensive historical work in 30 years. Former Museum Director Susan Berry published "Built to Last: An Architectural History of Silver City, NM" in 1995, which is a compendium of local history and historic homes in the community.
Unpacking Silver City is much more than a review of important dates and events, said Roselli.
"This book illuminates the complex forces that shaped Silver City into the distinctive community that it is today," he said. "From architectural treasures that define our streetscapes, to the people that called Chihuahua Hill home, as well as stories of the people that form a rich tapestry of cultural diversity, each chapter reveals another layer of our collective story. I'm so grateful to each of the authors for their rigorous research and accessible writing that brings to life the story of our amazing community."
Whether a long-time resident, a newcomer, or a visitor drawn to Silver City's eclectic character, compelling topics like Billy the Kid's enduring legend, the evolution of local business, Grant County's governmental development, and the transformation of health care over generations will enlighten and engage the reader, Roselli added.
"Unpacking Silver City serves as both historical record and community resource," Roselli said, "and will deepen residents' connection to their hometown, while offering newcomers and visitors alike insight into the complexity of this historic community. This work ensures that Silver City's multifaceted, fascinating history will be preserved and celebrated for generations to come."
"Unpacking Silver City: Revealing the Rich Tapestry of a Historic Town" is now available for purchase at amazon.com, and will be on sale at the book signing event on Nov. 15. For more information about the event or to pre-order the book, please contact Brittany Beers, community engagement manager, at (575) 597-0230, or
The Silver City Museum serves Grant County residents and visitors, using authentic records of the region's multicultural past to foster informed perspectives on the present. The museum is nationally recognized through its accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums.
Museum admission is free, though a suggested donation of $5 helps support the museum's education programs, collections care and exhibitions. For more information, to donate or learn of volunteer opportunities, please visit www.silvercitymuseum.org , or call (575) 589- 0221. The Silver City Museum is located at 312 West Broadway in historic, downtown Silver City.
