Wagon in the Snow at Fort Selden. Courtesy/NMDCA
Luminarias at Jemez Historic Site. Courtesy/NMDCA
Virgin de Guadalupe carving, part of J. Paul Taylor collection. Courtesy/NMDCANMHS News:
SANTA FE ― New Mexico’s Historic Sites have a host of upcoming events planned this fall and winter:
Saturday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fiesta of Cultures.
Coronado Historic Site
485 Kuaua, Bernalillo, NM 87004
Come celebrate New Mexico’s diverse and unique cultures! Arts and crafts fair, archaeology demonstrations, historical reenactments, live animals, face painting and much more will be ongoing throughout the day. There is no admission fee, this event is open to the public.
Saturday, Oct. 19, 6-9 p.m.
Voices from the Past: Moonlight Tours
Ft. Selden Historic Site
1280 Fort Selden Road, Radium Springs, NM 88054
Join us for a special moonlight tour and meet people visiting from the past. This year we will tell the story of the diphtheria outbreak of 1886. You will meet the women who worked to care for the sick, the families who lost children, and the soldiers who were busy renovating the fort. Tours leave every 15 minutes. Tickets are sold at the door. All of the activities for this event will be outside so please dress warmly! The last tour will leave at 8:15 p.m. Admission: $8 for adults. Children 16 and under are free. Cash or check only. Sponsored by the Museum of NM Foundation. Call 575.202.1638 for more information. NM I-25, Exit 19, Radium Springs – Follow the signs.
Saturday, Nov. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 14, 5-9 p.m.
Light among the Ruins.
Jemez Historic Site
18160 NM-4, Jemez Springs, NM 87025
The ruins of Giusewa Pueblo and San José de los Jemez Mission will be decorated with hundreds of farolitos. Each evening’s program will include traditional Native American flute music and Jemez Pueblo dancers’ performing between two illuminating bon-fires. The Historic Site will also host an arts and crafts fair and have food available for purchase. Tickets for both nights go on sale Nov. 1. Visit https:////www.nmhistoricsites.org/jemez for more information.
Saturday, Dec. 7, 5-10 p.m.
Farolitos at Los Luceros
Los Luceros Historic Site
253 County Road 41
Alcalde, NM 87511
Farolitos at Los Luceros
Holiday festivities, including farolitos/luminarias and other Northern New Mexico holiday traditions. More information to come. Call 505.476.1165 for further information.
Saturday, Dec. 7, 4-7 p.m.
December Letters from the Reservation
Ft. Sumner Historic Site/Bosque Redondo Memorial
3647 Billy the Kid Dr, Fort Sumner, NM 88119
The evening will begin with a light supper of pork posolé, tortillas, and a winter cake served with coffee or hot chocolate. Supper will be followed by a journey into the Memorial’s auditorium where local residents and staff will tell the story of life on the reservation through archival letters from the months of December (1863-1867). There is no admission fee for this event and the food is free as long as it lasts. Join us and listen to history unfold.
Saturday, Dec.14, 6-9 p.m.
Las Noches de Las Luminarias
Ft. Selden Historic Site
1280 Fort Selden Road, Radium Springs, NM 88054
Join us for this Southwest tradition as over eight hundred glowing candles surround the Fort ruins. Enjoy holiday music, a cozy campfire, and a warm cup of cheer as you tour the grounds. Make your own holiday decorations while you enjoy the sights and sounds of the season. Please dress warmly. Admission: $5 for adults. Children 16 and under are free.
Sponsored by the Museum of NM Foundation. Cash or checks only. Call 575.202.1638 for more information. NM I-25, Exit 19, Radium Springs – Follow the signs.
Sunday, Dec. 15, 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Nacimiento Open House with J. Paul Taylor
Taylor-Mesilla Historic Property
2231 Avenida de Mesilla inside the Mesilla Town Hall.
(575).524.3262 ext. 117
Join us for a fascinating afternoon as you view more than 185 nacimientos (nativity scenes) on display in the Taylor family home. This impressive collection and the open house have become a local holiday tradition. The home is located at 2346 Calle Principal on the Old Mesilla Plaza. Free to members of the Friends of the Taylor Family Monument. $5 for non-members. Sponsored by the Friends of the Taylor Family Monument and New Mexico Historic Sites.