Museum seeks funding with eye to June opening

Staff report

    The Northern New Mexico Historical Society and Museum in Questa is requesting funding from the state Legislature for three part-time employees to work in the museum. The request is for $30,000, which would cover the cost of an hourly wage of $8 an hour and workman’s compensation. The museum plans to open in June.
    The newly organized historical society and museum formed for the purpose of opening a cultural and historical museum, which will feature families, ancestors, their stories, struggles and fortitude. It includes a nine-member board of local residents.
    Said Lucille Córdova, current director, “It is a nonprofit community organization that encourages a greater appreciation of the history of northern Taos County, including Questa, Amalia, Cerro, Costilla, Red River and the Arroyo Hondo-Arroyo Seco areas. So many families are related and connected in these areas, some having come from other parts of the county to Questa and the northern part of the county.”
    The main objective of the museum and society is to provide the communities of northern Taos County with an organization and facility to assist in the documentation and preservation of family and community histories and traditions. Their intention is to honor the memories of the families who have lived in far northern Taos County for generations, and will feature the religious, economic and social factors that have kept these communities thriving.
    Another important objective is to teach children and teen-agers from these communities about their heritage.
    The NNMHS is composed of a committed group of educators, citizens and history enthusiasts native to New Mexico. It is incorporated under the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office for Charitable Organizations and has established its nonprofit 501(c)3 status with the IRS.
    Preparing for the opening of the museum, society members and volunteers have collected dozens of stories, hundreds of photos and rooms full of exhibit pieces. The society has been in negotiations with the Village of Questa for the rent-free use of the old Questa Health Clinic. University of New Mexico law students and professors have helped clarify the legal issues involved. The Center for Regional Studies of the University of New Mexico has allowed copies of old photos and magazines for the museum.
    Tony Archuleta, superintendent of Questa schools, has offered his support, as well as state historian Dr. Estevan Rael y Gálvez, Questa Councilman Larry Sánchez and UNM’s Dr. Enrique Lamadrid. Others on the committee include state Sen. Carlos (D-6) and wife Patsy Cisneros.
    Córdova explained they hoped to be ready to open for the annual fiesta in Questa June 11-12. Phase one renovations to the outside of the building have been completed by Harold’s Construction of Arroyo Seco. Phase two involves renovation of the interior.