John Anthony Perrotto
NMHS News:
SANTA FE — New talent is coming to New Mexico Historic Sites’ northern region at Los Luceros in Alcalde, Coronado in Bernalillo, and Jemez in Jemez Springs. John Anthony Perrotto joins Los Luceros Historic Site as site manager on January 20, and Jaimie Adams joins Coronado and Jemez Historic Sites as regional site manager Feb. 2, 2026.
With a passion for archaeology and a drive for exploration, John Anthony Perrotto brings archaeological field experience and leadership to Los Luceros. He joins the site as major restoration of the historic Hacienda is nearing completion. The 148-acre property spans a long history, with archaeological evidence suggesting Indigenous inhabitants, with later development during the Spanish Colonial, Territorial, and American periods.
“I am both humbled and excited to become a part of the living history of Los Luceros, and to be part of the local community,” Perrotto said. “I am eager to share my experience and knowledge of Northern New Mexico with the many visitors who enjoy this beautiful land.”
Perrotto will manage operations and preservation projects, as well as interpretation of the site’s agricultural, ecologic, and cultural history. His previous experience includes archaeological and educational work at Ghost Ranch, the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, White Sands National Park, and Valles Caldera National Preserve. Perrotto has a Bachelor’s of Anthropology and Sociology from University of Texas at El Paso and a Master’s of Anthropology from New Mexico State University.
“John comes to us with experience in education and the cultural resource management fields, and his skills should align perfectly for ensuring that Los Luceros is an accessible and friendly site for our visitors,” said Anne McCudden, Executive Director of New Mexico Historic Sites.
Jaimie Adams
Jaimie Adams brings extensive experience in management, administration, and leadership, as well as a background in archaeology, to her new position as regional site manager for Coronado and Jemez Historic Sites. Adams will oversee staff and facility maintenance at both sites, as well as interpretation and programming. Coronado and Jemez are the ancestral sites of the Kuaua and Walatowa Pueblos, and the sites tell Indigenous history, as well as Spanish-Colonial history.
“Jaimie has a fascinating background in the field of archaeology with an emphasis on rock art and her enthusiasm will be a huge asset to making these sites engaging and educational for all our visitors,” McCudden said.
Adams’ archaeological background includes experience with close-range photogrammetry, building 3D models of artifacts and sites, artifact and ceramic analysis, GIS mapping, and surveying. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Wyoming and is completing her Master of Arts in Anthropology at Eastern New Mexico University.
“This extraordinary opportunity allows me to protect and preserve the heritage and living cultures of the Kuaua and Walatowa (Jemez) Peoples. I look forward to ensuring these sites are responsibly cared for and interpreted in ways that honor, respect, and include the Indigenous communities that have lived in this region for millennia,” Adams said.
About New Mexico Historic Sites
New Mexico Historic Sites is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, under the leadership of the Board of Regents for the Museum of New Mexico. Programs and exhibits are generously supported by the Museum of New Mexico Foundation and its donors. The New Mexico Historic Sites system was established in 1931 by an Act for the Preservation of the Scientific Resources of New Mexico. The eight Historic Sites include Bosque Redondo Memorial at Fort Sumner, Coronado, Fort Selden, Fort Stanton, Jemez, Lincoln, Los Luceros, and Taylor-Mesilla. Learn more at nmhistoricsites.org.