Exhibit | New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs

Telling New Mexico: Stories from Then and Now

On long term display at the New Mexico History Museum

Telling New Mexico: Stories from Then and Now sweeps across more than 500 years of history—from the state’s earliest inhabitants to the residents of today. Stories are told through artifacts, videos, photographs, computer interactives, and oral histories that underscore the state’s cultural diversity and provide context for the museum’s ever-changing array of temporary exhibitions. Together, these stories breathe life into the people who made the American West: Native Americans, Spanish colonists, Mexican citizens, Santa Fe Trail riders, fur trappers, outlaws, Buffalo Soldiers, railroad workers, miners, scientists, hippies, artists, and photographers.

Highlights of the exhibition include Native American pottery, baskets, and jewelry from pre-European contact; a halberd from about 1600 used by Spanish conquistadores in their conquest of Indigenous peoples; an  illustrated map of New Mexico from 1758 by the cartographer Bernardo Miera y Pacheco; a stagecoach, portraits, and personal possessions of settlers who traveled the Santa Fe Trail; and the death mask of Francisco “Pancho” Villa (1878–1923), the Mexican general who led a raid on Columbus, New Mexico in 1916.

Also on exhibit at the New Mexico History Museum


New Mexico CulturePass

Your ticket to New Mexico's exceptional Museums and Historic Sites.
From Indian treasures to space exploration, world-class folk art to awesome dinosaurs—our museums and monuments celebrate the essence of New Mexico every day.
More Info »

The wallet size version of the CulturePass showing the $30 price
An animated image of a cell phone showing various topics presented in the Encounter Culture podcast

Encounter Culture

Take a look inside the museums and historic sites of New Mexico without leaving home. Join host Charlotte Jusinski, and a variety of guest curators, artists, and exhibitors in exploring the art and culture of the state in Encounter Culture, a new podcast from the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.

Logo and Link to Google Podcasts Logo and Link to Apple Podcasts Logo and Link to Spotify Podcasts

Featured DCA Exhibitions

A photo featuring items representing the Protection: Adaptation and Resistance exhibition

Protection: Adaptation and Resistance

The traveling exhibition Protection: Adaptation and Resistance presents the work of more than 45 Alaska Native
more »

A photo featuring items representing the Ghhúunayúkata / To Keep Them Warm: The Alaska Native Parka exhibition

Ghhúunayúkata / To Keep Them Warm: The Alaska Native Parka

Ghhúunayúkata / To Keep Them Warm explores the art of the parka, a garment made for survival in the harsh
more »

A photo featuring items representing the Here, Now and Always exhibition

Here, Now and Always

The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture invites you to visit its brand new permanent exhibition, Here, Now and Always,
more »

A photo featuring items representing the Staff Picks: Favorites from the Collection exhibition

Staff Picks: Favorites from the Collection

Staff Picks: Favorites from the Collection features objects that were selected by members of the Museum of
more »