Releases | New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs

New Mexico Historic Sites explores the potential of Fort Stanton Historic Site and Lincoln Historic Site with enthusiastic new interpretive ranger

August 1st, 2022

Lincoln, NM – New Mexico Historic Sites (NMHS) is elated to welcome enthusiastic new interpretive ranger James Wilson to Lincoln Historic Site (LHS) and Fort Stanton Historic Site (FSHS). 

In recent months, NMHS has brought several new staff members on board throughout the state, many of them in southern New Mexico. NMHS plans to highlight and celebrate each of them in a series of releases leading up to Old Lincoln Days, which runs August 5-7. 

Wilson brings a wide range of experience to his new role. He received a BA in History from the University of New Mexico, and in 2014, he went on to complete an MA in Museum Studies at the University of Kansas. Previously, he served as park historian at Kleb Woods Nature Preserve and Cypress Top Historic Park in Houston, Texas. He also worked as a historic interpreter at Confederate Reunion Grounds State Historic Site near Mexia, Texas, the Meeteetse Museums in Meeteetse, Wyoming, and the Mahaffie Stage Station near Kansas City.  

Wilson has also volunteered extensively. He spent many years working on public lands restoration projects in New Mexico, served as a park guide for the National Park Service, and worked as an archival assistant at the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum in Missouri.  

“Fort Stanton has so much potential,” Wilson said. “What attracted me most to this position are the vast and diverse histories Fort Stanton provides in terms of interpretation, exhibits and public programming.” 

In his personal life, Wilson has a special interest in mid-century modern architecture and the end of the age of modernism. 

About New Mexico Historic Sites  New Mexico Historic Sites is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, under the leadership of the Board of Regents for the Museum of New Mexico. Programs and exhibits are generously supported by the Museum of New Mexico Foundation and its donors. The New Mexico Historic Sites system was established in 1931 by an Act for the Preservation of the Scientific Resources of New Mexico. The eight Historic Sites include Coronado, Fort Selden, Fort Stanton, Bosque Redondo Memorial at Fort Sumner Historic Site, Jemez, Lincoln, and Los Luceros.

# # #

James Wilson

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 EnchantOrama! New Mexico Magazine Celebrates 100 exhibition

EnchantOrama! New Mexico Magazine Celebrates 100

The New Mexico History Museum, with support from New Mexico Magazine, proudly presents EnchantOrama! New Mexico
more »

A photo featuring items representing the The Santos of New Mexico exhibition

The Santos of New Mexico

As part of our Highlights from the Collection: The Larry and Alyce Frank Collection of Santos (saints), in the Palace
more »

A photo featuring items representing the Michael Naranjo Touching Beauty Exhibit exhibition

Michael Naranjo Touching Beauty Exhibit

On display in the Bataan Building Atrium Gallery: Touching Beauty Now, sculpture by Santa Clara Pueblo’s Michael
more »

A photo featuring items representing the Shadow and Light  exhibition

Shadow and Light

Shadow and Light, the inaugural exhibition at the Vladem Contemporary plays upon the famed New Mexico light which is
more »