Journalist and educator Norma Libman. Courtesy/TCHSTCHS News:
The Taos County Historical Society presents a free, public lecture by Norma Libman on From Spain to New Mexico; The Journey to Keep a Secret.
The lecture is 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 7, in the Kit Carson Electric Cooperative Boardroom at 118 Cruz Alta Road in Taos.
Who are the Crypto-Jews? Why are so many in New Mexico? This presentation by Norma Libman will trace the history of the Jews in Inquisitional Spain, including how Jews kept their secrets in very dangerous times. The presentation looks at the forces that brought them to the New World and, in particular, the American Southwest. The lecture will examine contemporary Crypto-Jews and Conversos living in New Mexico, and answer some questions: How do they live now? Why do some still keep the secret? What happens to those who want to return to mainstream Jewish life? And more.
Norma Libman is a journalist and educator who has been researching the Crypto-Jews/Converso story for more than 20 years. She has interviewed at least 50 individuals and families in New Mexico and elsewhere and has lectured widely on the subject in the United States. In addition, she has published more than 500 articles on various subjects in newspapers nationwide. She is the author of the award-winning novel Lonely River Village.
Libman is a member and speaker of the New Mexico Jewish Historical Society.
The Taos County Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations formed in 1952 for the purpose of “…preserving the history of the Taos area.” Membership is open to anyone upon the payment of dues. Visit www.taoscountyhhistoricalsociety.org for additional information.
