Silver City -- Silver City Museum staff have been busy engaging with the local community at various events and celebrations over the summer, including the closing event of this year's Gila River Festival, held last Sunday in the museum courtyard, where writers Sharman Apt Russell and Philip Connors joined moderator Mónica Ortiz Uribe in shared stories, visions, hopes and dreams for the Gila River. Staff are now taking the museum on the road, with October events in Alamogordo, Portales and Mimbres, then back to Silver City, where they will participate in the Southwest Print Fiesta, and get ready to host the much-loved Dia de Los Muertos parade and celebration to honor the dead.
On Wednesday, October 9, Museum Curator Javier Marrufo presents "The Chihuahua Hill History Project," on the campus of Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, New Mexico, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. Drawing on the rich traditions of the museum's community conversation series, in this presentation Marrufo will discuss the vital importance of grassroots historical research and the invaluable role of oral narratives in preserving our shared heritage. The event is free and open to the public, and is a cornerstone of Hispanic Heritage Month, which embraces the theme "Learn Who You Are, Love Who You Are," encouraging a deeper connection with one's cultural roots and personal identity.
Museum Director Bart Roselli heads to the Mimbres Valley for CampingCon 2024: Wilderness and the Historian, where he will present "Seeing the Forest for the Trees: The Silver City Museum," on Thursday, October 10, from 4:00 to 5:00 pm at Camp Thunderbird. Registration is required for this event. For more information, please visit https://ncph.org/conference/campingcon-2024/.
The Southwest Print Fiesta will be held once again at The Hub Plaza on Saturday, October 12, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The Print Fiesta brings together artists and art lovers to participate in printmaking demonstrations, workshops, and an open-air print market, showcasing the work of regional and national printmakers. The fiesta not only highlights Silver City's rich cultural heritage, but also serves as a dynamic platform for creative expression and education. Join Brittany Beers, the museum's community engagement manager, and Events Manager Ana Trinidad at the museum booth, where they will offer various art activities for children.
Also, on October 12, the LULAC Southern Regional Conference on Civil Rights and Social Justice convenes in Alamogordo, New Mexico, where Curator Javier Marrufo presents "Historical Foundations in Social Justice." In this presentation Marrufo said he "aims to emphasize the crucial role of historical understanding in addressing modern social justice issues." He will also explore how viewing current challenges through the lens of history can lead to more effective and nuanced approaches to achieving equity and fairness in society. The Otero County LULAC #8105 is hosting this event, in collaboration with student Hispanic Heritage Month events.
For more information about these events, please contact Brittany Beers, community engagement manager, at (575) 590-0230 or
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. 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, please contact the museum at (575) 589-0221/
