Leah F. Tookey Curator of History, New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum At the turn of the 20th century, most of the arid land east of Las Cruces, New Mexico was ranch land. Cattle, sheep, and goat ranches filled the Tularosa Basin, the Oscuro Range, and the surrounding countryside. Most of these ranches were…

Cynthia Culbertson  Author, Curator, Horse Expert When we think of New Mexico history we sometimes forget that the humans in the narrative have often been dependent on their equine companions. The influence of New Mexico on the history of the horse in the Americas is both fascinating and profound.  From the pre-historic ancestors of the…

Richard I. Ford
Emeritus Professor of Anthropology & Botany, University of Michigan

Alison Colborne
Librarian, Laboratory of Anthropology, MIAC

Gary Hein
Volunteer, Office of Archaeological Studies

Colin G. Calloway 
John Kimball Jr. 1943 Professor of History
Professor of Native American Studies
Dartmouth College

Dave Dewitt
Chile Pepper Expert and Author

Cathleen Cahill, Associate Professor of History, Penn State University  

François-Marie Patorni Independent Scholar and Author The history of the French, French Canadians, and other French-speaking people in New Mexico covers the last 400 years and all areas of New Mexico. After introducing the speaker’s great chase for the French in New Mexico, we will remember the lives of a few of the most influential,…

Matthew Babcock Associate Professor University of North Texas (Dallas) This lecture will focus on the forgotten Chihene Apache farming experiment at Sabinal, New Mexico from 1790-1795 by placing it in the context of Apache-Spanish relations and Spanish Indian policy.  In response to drought and military pressure, thousands of Apaches de paz settled near Spanish presidios…

Jesus “Chuy” Martinez Musician/Folklorist This live performance will explore the corridos/ballads of New Mexico, and their historic, cultural and social influences. Jesus "Chuy" Martinez is a musician and folklorist.  He is the co-founder of numerous community organizations.  He is also a grassroots founding member of the National Hispanic Cultural Center, and for 23 years hosted and produced the "Lo Maduro…