New Mexico's Centennial Exhibitions

Telling New Mexico opens with an overview of what this area was like just prior to the Spanish entrada. An exhibit wall mimics that of a river or canyon. Cast-metal handprints of modern-day Natives (artisans who display their wares under the Palace portal) trigger oral histories when visitors place their hands over them. Artifacts from the state's archaeological history help set the scene.

Photo by Blair Clark, New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs

Santa Fe, N.M— Did you know that New Mexico has 40 official state symbols, including a state guitar and a state cookie?

Visit the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Museum in Las Cruces and take a refresher course and see the display of all of New Mexico’s official state symbols as we celebrate the state Centennial this year. The exhibit of official state symbols is one of over 20 exhibits at museums across New Mexico designed to highlight our state’s 100^th birthday and rich culture and history. The participating museums include all of the Department of Cultural Affairs state-run museums, as well private and community museums.

“This summer is a perfect opportunity to learn about New Mexico’s past and to travel around the state to places to discover the vast number of interesting attractions and exhibits that the state has to offer,” said Governor Susana Martinez. “I encourage everyone to get out and explore New Mexico and visit our wide range of wonderful museums statewide.”

 

New Mexico became the 47th state on Jan. 6, 1912, and remained the newest state of the union for only a month. Arizona joined in February, and Star-Spangled Banner needed another star. A small number of unofficial 47-star flags were made before the official 48-star flag. A facsimile of the flag is on display in the History Museum’s main exhibit, Telling New Mexico: Stories from Then and Now.

History Collection NMHM, DCA, 10118/45 Gift of John and Jeanne Saver

Photo by Blair Clark, New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs

Community leaders, museum directors, curators and organizers across New Mexico have worked together to create historic and thought-provoking exhibitions throughout the state. Through these exhibits residents and visitors to the state can learn about the amazing contributions New Mexicans have made to the growth and development of our state and to the nation. 

“New Mexico’s Centennial presents new opportunities to learn about, honor and celebrate our state’s rich heritage,” said Department of Cultural Affairs Secretary Veronica Gonzales.  “While the arrival of summer is a perfect backdrop for the state’s Centennial festivities, it is important to remember that our 100th anniversary is a unique opportunity to re-examine our cultural legacy.”

 A small, late 18th-century, tooled-leather chest with elaborate animal, bird and floral designs bearing traces of original red, gold and black paint. On display in the History Museum’s main exhibit, Telling New Mexico: Stories from Then and Now.
History Collection NMHM, DCA, 4198/45 Gift of Mrs. Joseph Imhof 

Photo by Blair Clark, New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs
 

For a list of exciting opportunities to enjoy during the Centennial, see the list below.

Albuquerque

“Dinosaur Century:100 Years of Discovery in New Mexico,” Museum of Natural History and Science
Each month of 2012, the Museum of Natural History and Science showcases new and prominent finds from New Mexico's paleontological history.
Through Dec. 2012
http://www.nmnaturalhistory.org

“100 Years of State & Federal Policy: Its Impact on Pueblo Nations,” Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Reflects upon the human experience behind enacted policies and laws, adding to a well-documented history of Pueblo resilience since the time of Emergence.
Through Feb.2013
http://www.indianpueblo.org/

Carlsbad

“New Mexico: 100 Years of Art,” Carlsbad Museum & Art Center
Organized by Las Cruces Museum of Art, this exhibit features paintings, drawings, photographs and sculpture produced in New Mexico over the past 100 years.
Through Aug. 11, 2012
http://www.cityofcarlsbadnm.com/museum.cfm

Clovis

“Clovis and Santa Fe Railway Participations in World War II,” Clovis-Carver Public Library
A display organized by the Clovis Depot and Model Train Museum features photos and history of the Clovis-area railroad's role in World War II.
Through 2012
http://www.clovisdepot.com  

Santa Fe

“47 Stars,” New Mexico History Museum
Commemorates New Mexico's entry into the Union with a collection of objects that includes the officially unofficial 47-star flag.
Through Nov. 25, 2012
http://www.nmhistorymuseum.org/

“It’s About Time: 14,000 Years of Art in New Mexico,” New Mexico Museum of Art
A rich collection of paintings, prints, sculptures and photographs highlight New Mexico's artistic heritage from pre-conquest to the present.
Through Jan. 2014
http://www.nmartmuseum.org/

“Statehood: New Mexican Art 1912-2012 from the Permanent Collection,” Museum of International Folk Art
Features New Mexican art and artists from the 20th and 21st centuries, and illustrates folk traditions as well as innovative forms of expression.
Through Mar. 31, 2013
http://www.internationalfolkart.org/

New Mexico Arts Centennial Project SpaceLocated at 54 1/2 East San Francisco Street, Suite 2 on the Santa Fe Plaza, the New Mexico Arts Centennial Project Space features unique visions of the state's history from a contemporary perspective.

Through Aug. 24, 2012 http://nmarts.org/nma-centennial-project-space.html

“Governors' Awards for Excellence in the Arts,” The Governor’s Gallery, New Mexico Capitol
This year’s recipients of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts will be celebrated in an exhibition at the State Capitol.
Sept. 14, 2012 through Dec.7, 2012
http://nmartmuseum.org/site/about/governors-gallery.html

Roswell

“Roswell: Diamond of the Pecos,” Roswell Museum and Art Center
A joint exhibition about Roswell's history features art and artifacts from both the RMAC and the Historical Society for Southeast New Mexico.
Through Jan. 6, 2013
http://roswellmuseum.org/

Las Cruces

“It’s All Symbolic: The State Symbols of New Mexico,” New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum
Presents the 40 symbols officially adopted by the Legislature as state symbols of New Mexico.
Through Feb. 10, 2013
http://www.nmfarmandranchmuseum.org/

“The Land of Enchantment: Commemorating the Centennial of New Mexico Statehood,” New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum
An eclectic look at the last 100 years of New Mexico through historical photographs and artifacts including everything from coins and license plates to a decorative decanter celebrating New Mexico’s 60th year. 
Through Sept.16, 2012
http://www.nmfarmandranchmuseum.org/

Silver City

“Aspiration, Politics and Willpower: The people behind the formation of the Territorial School at Silver City,” Fleming Hall Museum, Western New Mexico University
Reveals the history, the politics, and struggles during the early 1890s as citizens of Silver City pursued establishment of a Normal School in Silver City.
Through July 15, 2012
http://www.wnmumuseum.org

Taos

“Bea Mandelman: Collage” and “Bea Mandelman: The Social Realist Prints,” Harwood Museum of Art
Two exhibitions of collage and print work by Taos Modernist Bea Mandelman celebrate the centennial of her birth. July 7, 2012 through October 14, 2012