New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum

Culture Series: Paquimé and the Casas Grandes Culture
2020-03-10 12:30 - 13:30 (America/Chicago) | NM
Culture Series: Paquimé and the Casas Grandes Culture
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Jeff Romney, the director of the El Paso Museum of Archaeology, will discuss Paquimé as a ceremonial and trade center within the greater Casas Grandes region. The discussion will also include the cliff dwelling sites at Cuesta Blanca, Cave Valley, and Cuarenta Casas and the petroglyph sites at Anchondo, Arroyo de los Monos, and others. Admission is free.
The Casas Grandes Culture inhabited parts of Chihuahua, Sonora, and New Mexico between 700 AD – 1450 AD. During the Medio Period (1200 AD – 1450 AD), the Casas Grandes Culture reached the height of its prominence and influence in the region. It is during this period that Paquimé was built, eventually becoming an important ceremonial and trade center. The largest cache of shells ever found in an archaeological context in North America was excavated at Paquimé. Exquisite ceramics, beautiful works in stone, copper bells, turquoise, and macaw remains were also found at the site. Paquimé was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.
Culture Series: Paquimé and the Casas Grandes Culture
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Jeff Romney, the director of the El Paso Museum of Archaeology, will discuss Paquimé as a ceremonial and trade center within the greater Casas Grandes region. The discussion will also include the cliff dwelling sites at Cuesta Blanca, Cave Valley, and Cuarenta Casas and the petroglyph sites at Anchondo, Arroyo de los Monos, and others. Admission is free.
The Casas Grandes Culture inhabited parts of Chihuahua, Sonora, and New Mexico between 700 AD – 1450 AD. During the Medio Period (1200 AD – 1450 AD), the Casas Grandes Culture reached the height of its prominence and influence in the region. It is during this period that Paquimé was built, eventually becoming an important ceremonial and trade center. The largest cache of shells ever found in an archaeological context in North America was excavated at Paquimé. Exquisite ceramics, beautiful works in stone, copper bells, turquoise, and macaw remains were also found at the site. Paquimé was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.
Romney grew up in Chihuahua, Mexico, near Paquimé, which inspired his life-long interest in Southwest Archaeology. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from Brigham Young University (BYU) in 1995 with an emphasis in Southwest Archaeology and Native American Studies. While at BYU, Romney worked at the Museum of Peoples and Cultures as student co-curator, working primarily with the museum’s large collection of Casas Grandes pottery. After graduating from BYU, he accepted the position of Museum Specialist at Wheeler Historic Farm, Salt Lake County’s Parks and Recreation Department. In 2006, Romney joined the El Paso Museum of Art where he served as Head of Development for a decade. He has 21 years of experience in the museums profession. Romney’s research interests include the Pre-Columbian Southwest, Native American cultures, and pottery. When not working, he enjoys collecting Pueblo pottery, gardening, cooking, reading, photography, saltwater coral reef aquariums, and his dog Sadie.

Cowboy Days - March 8
2020-03-08 10:00 - 16:00
Cowboy Days
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
* Update: Because of the rain, we have moved our craft vendors, children’s games and crafts, and our musical performances indoors. The rain might affect some of our other outdoor activities. Please call (575) 522-4100.*
The Museum’s big spring event pays tribute to the state’s ranching traditions. Enjoy two days of cowboy demonstrations, charreada demos and trick roping, horse training, chuck wagon cooking, children’s activities, cowboy music, stagecoach and pony rides, living history, Western authors, food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, and more. Our family-friendly admission this year is $10 per vehicle. (no discounts or passes, and no pets, please).
Sunday, March 8 – 10 am to 4 pm
Ongoing educational demonstrations: Chuck wagon cooking, children’s crafts and games, food and craft vendors, blacksmith, woodcarving, spinning, weaving, quilting, selfie stations, and more.
10 – 10:45 am Western Writers of America in the Theatre
10 am – 12 pm Pony rides near the Horse & Cattle Barn ($5)
10 am – 3 pm Miniature train rides on the South 20 ($3)
10 am – 3 pm Rawhide braider, Dick Schorr, in the Courtyard
10 am – 3:30 pm Stagecoach rides out front (by donation)
10:30 – 11:15 am Singer, Kenny Arroyos, in the Courtyard
11 – 11:45 am Film: On the Trail of Jack Thorp, in the Theatre
11 am – 12 pm Daniel Castro & family (Lienzo Charro El Pedregal) charreada demonstration in the Round Pen
11:30 am – 12:15 pm Ramblin’ Rangers perform in the Courtyard
12 – 12:45 pm How the West was Done! (stories, poetry, trivia, melodrama) in the Theater
12 – 1 pm Parade of Breeds at the Round Pen
12:30 – 1:15 pm Tom Foster Morris & Friends perform in the Courtyard
1 – 2 pm Ralph Estes “Billy and Me” in the Theatre
1:30 – 2:15 pm Singing group, The Muletones, in the Courtyard
1 – 2 pm Josh Armstrong, horse trainer, in the Round Pen
1:30 – 3 pm Pony rides near the Horse & Cattle Barn ($5)
2 – 3 pm Parade of Breeds at the Round Pen
2 – 2:45 pm Singing group, Dusty Boots, under the Pavilion
2:30 – 3:15 pm Live Lively Square Dance demonstration in the Courtyard
2:15 – 3 pm How the West was Done! (stories, poetry, trivia, melodrama) in the Theatre
3 – 3:45 pm Singing group, Dusty Boots, under the Pavilion
3:15 – 3:45 pm Film: On the Trail of Jack Thorp, in the Theatre
3:30 – 4:15 pm Singing group, The Muletones, in the Courtyard
Schedule is subject to change

Cowboy Days March 7th
2020-03-07 09:00 - 17:00
The Museum’s big spring event pays tribute to the state’s ranching traditions. Enjoy two days of cowboy demonstrations, charreada demos, and trick roping, horse training, chuckwagon cooking, children’s activities, cowboy music, stagecoach and pony rides, living history, Western authors, food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, and more. Our family-friendly admission this year is $10 per vehicle. (no discounts or passes, and no pets, please).
Saturday, March 7, 2020 – 9 am to 5 pm
Ongoing educational demonstrations: Chuckwagon biscuits & cowboy coffee, blacksmith, woodcarving, spinning, weaving, quilting, selfie stations and more.
9 am – 5 pm Wonders on Wheels, DCA’s traveling exhibit bus
9 am – 5 pm Rawhide braider, Dick Schorr, in the Courtyard
10 – 10:45 am Western Writers of America in the Theater
10 am – 12 pm Pony rides near the Horse & Cattle Barn ($5)
10 am – 3 pm Miniature train rides on the South 20 ($3)
10 am – 3:30 pm Stagecoach rides out front (by donation)
10:30 – 11:15 am Kenny Arroyos sings in the Courtyard
11 – 11:45 am Singer songwriter, Sid Hausman, on stage in the Theater
11 am – 12 pm Daniel Castro & family (Lienzo Charro El Pedregal) charreada demonstrations in the Round Pen
11:30 am – 12:15 pm Ramblin’ Rangers perform in the Courtyard
12 – 12:45 pm How the West was Done! (stories, poetry, trivia, melodrama) in the Theater
12 – 1 pm Parade of Breeds at the Round Pen
12:30 – 1:15 pm Tom Foster Morris & Friends perform in the Courtyard
1 – 1:45 pm Singer songwriter, Sid Hausman, on stage in the Theater
1:30 – 2:15 pm Singing group, The Muletones, in the Courtyard
1 – 2 pm Josh Armstrong, horse trainer, in the Round Pen
1:30 – 3 pm Pony rides near the Horse & Cattle Barn ($5)
2 – 3 pm Parade of Breeds at the Round Pen
2:30 – 3:15 pm Live Lively Square Dance demonstration in the Courtyard
2 – 2:45 pm How the West was Done! (stories, poetry, trivia, melodrama) in the Theater
3:30 – 4:15 pm Singing group, The Muletones, in the Courtyard
3 – 3:45 pm Singer songwriter, Sid Hausman, on stage in the Theater
Times subject to change

The Museum Rocks! Gem & Mineral Show
2020-02-23 10:00 - 17:00
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
This seventh-annual event is hosted by the Friends of the Museum and features more than 60 vendors from throughout the Southwest. The event is sponsored by Frank Parrish.
The Museum ROCKS! brings together wholesale and resale dealers of both cut and uncut gemstones, rocks, minerals, fossils, meteorites, jewelry, jewelry-making supplies and educational displays on the art and science of rocks and gems. There will be geology discussions and films, as well as children’s activities, and food and beverages for sale.
Admission is only $7 for everyone aged 12 and up, $4 for ages 6-11, and FREE for ages 5 and under, which also includes museum entry. For more information, visit www.LCMuseumRocks.com.

The Museum Rocks! Gem & Mineral Show
2020-02-22 09:00 - 17:00
9:00 am – 5:00 pm each day
This seventh-annual event is hosted by the Friends of the Museum and features more than 60 vendors from throughout the Southwest. The event is sponsored by Frank Parrish.
The Museum ROCKS! brings together wholesale and resale dealers of both cut and uncut gemstones, rocks, minerals, fossils, meteorites, jewelry, jewelry-making supplies and educational displays on the art and science of rocks and gems. There will be geology discussions and films, as well as children’s activities, and food and beverages for sale.
Admission is only $7 for everyone aged 12 and up, $4 for ages 6-11, and FREE for ages 5 and under, which also includes museum entry. For more information, visit www.LCMuseumRocks.com.

Basic Weaving Workshop
2020-02-12 09:00 - 2020-02-15 16:00
9:00 am – 4:00 pm each day
Space is very limited in these workshops and a wait list is available for future classes. This three-day weaving workshop teaches students how to warp their looms on Wednesday and weave basic twill patterns Thursday and Saturday. First-time weavers are welcome. The class is offered to adults and children 14 and over (accompanied by an adult). Class fee is $60 and pre-registration and payment required. For more information contact LuAnn Kilday at 575-522-4100 or luannr.kilday@state.nm.us.

Culture Series: Killing Pat Garrett
2020-02-11 12:30 - 13:30
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Pat Garrett, the Wild West’s most famous lawman – the man who killed Billy the Kid – was himself killed on leap day, February 29, 1908, on a barren stretch of road between his home ranch and Las Cruces.
Who killed him? Was it murder? Was it self-defense?
No Garrett biographer has been able to answer these questions. All have expressed opinions. None have presented evidence that would stand up in a court of law. Here, for the first time, drawing on newly discovered information is the definitive answer to the Wild West’s most famous unsolved killing.
Award-winning author and historian David Thomas will discuss this fascinating story which is detailed in his new book, “Killing Pat Garrett: The Wild West’s Most Famous Lawman — Murder or Self-Defense?” Admission to this day-time Culture Series presentation in the Museum’s Theater is free.
The book’s awards include: 2019 Best Book Awards Finalist, United States History; 2019 Best Indie Book Notable 100 Award Winner; 2019 Royal Dragonfly Book Award Winner, Second Place, Historical Non-Fiction.
Supplementing the text are 102 images, including six of Garrett and his family which have never been published before. It has been 50 years since a new photo of Garrett was published, and no photos of his children have ever been published.
Garrett’s life has been extensively researched. Yet, the author was able to uncover an enormous amount of new information. He had access to over 80 letters that Garrett wrote to his wife. He discovered a multitude of new documents and details concerning Garrett’s killing, the events surrounding it, and the personal life of the man who was placed on trial for killing Garrett.
• The true actions of “Deacon Jim” Miller, a professional killer, who was in Las Cruces the day Garrett was killed.
• The place on the now abandoned old road to Las Cruces where Garrett was killed.
• Garrett’s original burial location.
• The sworn courtroom testimony of the only witness to Garrett’s killing.
• The policeman who provided the decisive evidence in the trial of the man accused of murdering Garrett.
• The location of Garrett’s Rock House and Home Ranches.
• New family details: Garrett had a four-month-old daughter the day he killed Billy the Kid. She died tragically at 15. Another daughter was blinded by a well-intended eye treatment; a son was paralyzed by childhood polio; and Pat Garrett, Jr., named after his father, lost his right leg to amputation at age 12.
Pat Garrett’s life was a remarkable adventure, with enormous highs. He met two US presidents: William McKinley Jr. and Theodore Roosevelt. President Roosevelt he met five times, three times in the White House. He brought the law to hardened gunmen. He oversaw hangings. His national fame was so extensive the day he died that newspapers from the East to the West Coast only had to write “Pat Garrett” for readers to know to whom they were referring.
He also had devastating lows. He experienced heartbreaking family tragedy. He was blocked for re-appointment as El Paso Customs Collector by unjustified personal animus. He was pursued ruthlessly for a loan that he had co-signed as a favor for a friend. He had his ranches and livestock confiscated and sold on the Las Cruces public square.
In spite of his reputation as a gunman, when faced with public humiliation, he responded with commendable dignity. Queried after losing his Custom Collector job, he replied:
“I simply take my medicine.”
This book is written so you experience his life as he did, as it happened, event by event.

Reading Roundup
2020-02-09 14:00 - 15:00
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Join us for Reading Roundup in the Museum lobby. Children of all ages are welcome to listen and learn. This activity is free with regular admission ($5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens, $3 for children 4-17). Children 3 and under are admitted free.

Crafts for Kids
2020-02-08 10:00 - 12:00
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Children are invited to come make a Valentine’s Day craft. Craft is free and materials will be provided, but regular Museum admission is required for all family members: $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens, $3 for children 4 to 17, and free admission for children 3 and under.

Antique Treasures Show
2020-01-26 10:00 - 16:00
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Whether it’s learning how to best preserve a family heirloom, identifying an archaeological discovery, or looking to find a special antique to purchase, the Museum’s annual Antique Treasures Show is a two-day celebration of all things old, unique, and precious.
Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens and $3 for children 4 to 17. Veterans and active U.S. military members are admitted for $2 and children 3 and under are free.
The show is a mix of antique and collectible vendors from throughout the region, along with preservation and identification activities. Some of the vendors may also offer free unofficial, independent appraisals.
Visitors are invited to bring family heirlooms, artifacts, or objects from home to learn more about them and how to preserve them. Visitors can also play “Stump the Curator” by bringing in objects to see if the Museum’s curators – Director Mark Santiago, Chief Curator and Program Manager Lisa Pugh, former Chief Curator Toni Laumbach, or History Curator Leah Tookey – can identify them. Santiago will also have an antique gun presentation each day at 1 p.m.
Representatives from Fort Selden Historic Site, a sister agency to the Farm & Ranch Museum, will be at the show with some unusual objects to play “Identify It.”
The show also features demonstrations such as sewing, weaving, wool spinning and blacksmithing. Admission includes all of the regular Museum offerings.

Antique Treasures Show
2020-01-25 09:00 - 2020-01-26 17:00
9:00 am – 5:00 pm each day
Whether it’s learning how to best preserve a family heirloom, identifying an archaeological discovery, or looking to find a special antique to purchase, the Museum’s annual Antique Treasures Show is a two-day celebration of all things old, unique, and precious.
Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens and $3 for children 4 to 17. Veterans and active U.S. military members are admitted for $2 and children 3 and under are free.
The show is a mix of antique and collectible vendors from throughout the region, along with preservation and identification activities. Some of the vendors may also offer free unofficial, independent appraisals.
Visitors are invited to bring family heirlooms, artifacts, or objects from home to learn more about them and how to preserve them. Visitors can also play “Stump the Curator” by bringing in objects to see if the Museum’s curators – Director Mark Santiago, Chief Curator and Program Manager Lisa Pugh, former Chief Curator Toni Laumbach, or History Curator Leah Tookey – can identify them. Santiago will also have an antique gun presentation each day at 1 p.m.
Representatives from Fort Selden Historic Site, a sister agency to the Farm & Ranch Museum, will be at the show with some unusual objects to play “Identify It.”
The show also features demonstrations such as sewing, weaving, wool spinning and blacksmithing. Admission includes all of the regular Museum offerings.

Basic Weaving Workshop
2020-01-15 09:00 - 2020-01-17 15:00
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Space is very limited in these workshops and a wait list is available for future classes. This three-day weaving workshop teaches students how to warp their looms on Wednesday and weave basic twill patterns Thursday and Friday. First-time weavers are welcome. The class is offered to adults and children 14 and over (accompanied by an adult). Class fee is $60 and pre-registration and payment required. For more information contact LuAnn Kilday at 575-522-4100 or luannr.kilday@state.nm.us.

Reading Roundup
2020-01-12 14:00 - 15:00
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Join us for Story Time in the Museum lobby. Children of all ages are welcome to listen and learn. This activity is free with regular admission ($5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens, $3 for children 4-17). Children 3 and under are admitted free.

National Milk Day
2020-01-11 10:00 - 12:00
January 11th
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
In honor of National Milk Day we will be making a dairy cow craft. This activity is free with regular admission ($5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens, $3 for children 4-17).

Culture Series: Camp Cody
2020-01-09 19:00 - 20:00
Culture Series: Camp Cody: A World War I Training Camp in Deming
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Author and historian Jim Eckles will talk about the surprising story of Camp Cody in Deming during World War I. Admission is free.
Just over a century ago World War I, the war to end all wars, ended with millions killed. As a military power, the United States was woefully unprepared for its role as the steamroller to break the stalemate in the bloody trenches of France. Immediately after declaring war on Germany, America had to raise and train a multi-million-man army.
One of the nation’s 32 training camps was established at Deming, a town of only 2,500 people at the time. The facility was dubbed Camp Cody and was erected in just a few months to house and train 30,000 men. The men, from farmers to factory workers, had to learn a new kind of fighting and mass killing – with machine guns and artillery. Then, a few months after armistice – poof – the camp, with its tents, wooden mess halls and large stables literally disappeared.
Obvious questions are: Why select little Deming to host a huge camp? What was it like in the camp living day-to-day for months in a tent? And how did Camp Cody affect Deming?
Jim Eckles is a local historian and retiree from White Sands Missile Range where he worked for 30 years. Camp Cody caught his attention when he was asked to lecture on the V-2 rocket and the Trinity Site atomic bomb test at a World War II round-table in Minneapolis. Before his talk, Eckles discovered organizers seemed more interested in what he knew about Camp Cody instead of the WWII technology. Subsequent research opened the door to an all-but-forgotten chapter in southern New Mexico’s World War I history. Who knew almost 30,000 men once lived just north of I-10 in Deming? This led to a book about the camp that Eckles will use for the basis of his talk.
