Recent History Acquisitions

The objects presented here are some of the Museum’s most recent acquisitions to its History Collection. They were offered as gifts to the Museum by community members or as part of a bequest, and they were accepted by the Museum’s advisory committee because of their historical relevance and the rich stories associated with them. Over the last year, many people across our nation have questioned what it means to function in a community. These items allow us to explore stories of how New Mexicans have sought to live in community, not just over the last year, but through many decades.

Generally, museums interpret their collections within the context of the current moment. The objects often drive the story that ends up being told. Taken as a whole, the selection of recent acquisitions chosen for this exhibition coalesced around the theme of community, something that is on many peoples’ minds in our present day.

Whether they have pushed to secure basic human rights for themselves or others, exercised their individual rights as American citizens, or stood in solidarity with others – either physically en masse with their neighbors, or through other means – people in our local, state, and national communities have sought to create and find fellowship with others over the last year. Political realities, divisions, social strife, economic hardships, COVID-19 - all of these factors have motivated individuals to examine what it means to be in community with others.

For this reason, despite the various ages of the objects included in this exhibition, these recent acquisitions together weave a narrative about New Mexicans in community. Our women have built, maintained, and cared for their families, friends, and neighbors by inviting them to their tables or cooking them warm meals. New Mexican women have also taken seats at tables that were traditionally dominated by men. Our citizens create images and objects to make sense of our realities and find humor in otherwise dark situations. We map our communities to orient ourselves in space. We even grapple with what it means to be part of the global context.

We invite you to explore the exhibit and experience the many rich and diverse ways New Mexicans have supported one another, celebrated our heritage, and lived in community with each other.