DCA News:

Explore the latest online programming from the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA), bringing the state’s unique blend of cultures into your home through its museums, historic sites, and cultural institutions.

This week includes three programs:

The History and Literary Arts department at the National Hispanic Cultural Center presents the latest online lecture in the series Perspectivas Modernas “Seeking Refuge: The Role of Expert Witnesses in Latin American Asylum Cases” via Zoom May 4. In this presentation, Kimberly Gauderman, a professor in the Department of History at the University of New Mexico, offers a description of the asylum system in the United States and the role of expert witnesses in cases for refugees from Latin America, focusing on the specific challenges faced by women and LGBTQ persons. Register for this free event here.

Beginning May 2, the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum will offer a series of Sunday posts on its Facebook page featuring historical short biographies of people connected to agriculture in New Mexico. These profiles will include stories about some famous people, and some not so famous. The first person featured in the “Faces of Farm & Ranch” series will be Navajo rancher and author Left Handed.

It’s the return of science story time videos on the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science website. In the latest installment, museum educator Misty Carty reads from the children’s book, “We Are Water Protectors,” written by Carole Lindstrom, inspired by Indigenous-led movements across North America.

Additional programs from across the Department:

• Los Luceros Historic Site has been home to agriculture and gardening for hundreds of years. May 9, follow along live on the Historic Site’s webpage with instructional coordinator Carlyn Stewart as she helps continue this tradition by planting a new demonstration garden featuring heritage plants. Learn about the plants, Los Luceros History, and New Mexico history during this virtual event. 
• The New Mexico Museum of Art has created a short video about a photograph in the Museum’s collection by Will Wilson (from the exhibition “Breath Taking”) that touches on human relationships to the environment and the challenge of living harmoniously.

More information related to social media and online resources for each division of DCA, including photos, is available upon request.

About the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs

Created in 1978 by the New Mexico Legislature, the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) is New Mexico’s cultural steward, charged with preserving and showcasing the state’s cultural riches. With its eight museums, seven historic sites, arts, archaeology, historic preservation, and library programs, the DCA is one of the largest and most diverse state cultural agencies in the nation. Together, the facilities, programs, and services of the Department support a $5.6 billion cultural industry in New Mexico.