October Calendar
Crafts for Kids
Oct. 1, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Children of all ages are invited to come to the Museum and create their own fall craft to take home. Regular admission is required for all family members: $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens, $3 for children 4 to 17, and free admission for children 3 and under.
Exhibit Opening:
Elephant Butte Dam: Building a Future for Agriculture
Oct. 13, 6-8 p.m.
One hundred years ago, important change came to Southern New Mexico when the Elephant Butte Dam began storing water on the Rio Grande to be used for irrigation. The dam, which began as an agricultural project envisioned by farmers in New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico, eventually became important to hydroelectricity and recreation as well. The exhibit tells the story of what brought about the Dam, how it was built, and what it provided to Southern New Mexico. The opening reception from 6-8 p.m. on Oct. 13 will include refreshments and admission is free.
Heritage Cooking - Horno Demonstration
Oct. 15, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The adobe Horno oven is arguably one of the most recognizable images of Native American pueblos, and continues to be a living connection between today and our rich and enchanting past. Demonstrator Dave Harkness will fire up the Museum's horno and show traditional baking methods used throughout our state's diverse populations. Ongoing interpretative demonstrations will provide the visitor with a comprehensive overview of the history of these simple but fascinating ovens, and will share in the tasting of the fresh-baked bread for as long as it lasts. This program is free with regular paid Museum admission.
Special Presentation
Understanding the Magoffin Factor in Southwest Trade and Activities
Oct. 27, 7 p.m.
Despite his being a fairly prominent trader of his time, we actually know relatively little about James Wiley Magoffin and his associates and their roles in Southwestern trading between the early 1830s and the American Civil War. Historian Cameron Saffell, a recipient of a 2016 Office of the New Mexico State Historian-History Scholars' Program grant, will report on what he's learned about the "Magoffin Factor" in his exhaustive research at archival facilities in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Vegas. Dr. Saffell researched two relatively distinct trading periods'the Mexican years (circa 1830-1846) when Magoffin traded along the Santa Fe and Chihuahua Trails, and a second period after the Mexican-American War when Magoffin founded the community of Magoffinsville, one of the forerunners of today's El Paso and site of the second location of Fort Bliss through its loss to river flooding in 1868. Saffell is Assistant Professor of Museum Science and Curator of History at the Museum of Texas Tech University in Lubbock. He previously was Curator of History at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum from 1999-2012. Admission is free.
Heritage Cooking - Day of the Dead Bread
Oct. 29, 9 a.m. to noon
Just in time for the Dia de los Muertos, demonstrator Dave Harkness will be baking this festive sweet and rich desert bread in an 1890s wood-burning cook stove. Visitors of all ages are welcome to join in the making and baking of these classic loaves made in the shapes of bones and skulls, which they can then take home. The added challenge of baking these tasty treats in an oven over 100-years old makes this a truly unique experience. Complimentary copies of the traditional recipes will be available. The cost is $5 per person (children 5 and under are free for the cooking program) in addition to the regular Museum admission.
Basic Dowsing Class
Oct. 29, 1-3:30 p.m.
Learn the basics of dowsing (questing, divining, water witching), how to use the four basic dowsing tools and the benefits associated with dowsing. The cost is $15 and dowsing tools will be available. Museum Friends members pay only $10. Cash or check (make checks payable to Friends of the NMF&RHM). Pre-register by calling (575) 522-4100.
For more information, please call (575) 522-4100.
All classes, workshops and events co-sponsored by the Friends of the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum
4100 Dripping Springs Road
Las Cruces, NM 88011
The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum is a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs
