Valencia County Historical Society
Valencia County Historical Society
Events
Events
Presentations & Events
Upcoming Presentations & Events
Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 2:00PM - Historic Geology Experiments in New Mexico in Water Management and Atomic Energy Applications @ Workforce Training Center, 1020 Huning Ranch, East Loop SW, Los Lunas by Paul Parmentier
Sunday, May 18, 2025 - Annual Road Show and Personal Antiqes Display @ Los Lunas Transportation Center 101 Courthouse Rd, Los Lunas
Past Recorded Presentations
Geologic History of Valencia County by Paul Parmentier Link to a video of the presentation from November 2nd : https://tinyurl.com/56hwsecd
Los Lunas Mystery Stone by John Taylor Link to a video of the presentation from November 12th:
SAVE THE DATE
2025 Joint New Mexico-Arizona History Conference
September 25 - 27, 2025
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Valencia County Historical Society: Link to current newsletter, with information on current and upcoming exhibits and events:
Tue., May 6th at 10:30 AM, virtual and in person event, the Albuquerque Genealogical Society’s Military Research Group meets on the second floor of the main ABQ library at 5th and Copper in ABQ. At this meeting the topic will be The War of 1812.
See this web page for more info: https://tinyurl.com/bddn3xaf
If planning to attend the meeting via Zoom, register at this link: https://tinyurl.com/murd8ej3
For more info send e-mail to MilResSIG@abqgen.org
Tue., May 6th at 6:30 PM, in person event, the Torrance County Archaeological Society presents Michael Bletzer, who will give a presentation on “Atzigues: of Piros and Tompiros – 1581 to 1681”. At the Manzano Mountain Art Council Center at 101 East Broadway in Mountainair. Free.
See this web page for details: https://tinyurl.com/mrzpbktk
Wed., May 7th at noon, virtual event, the Friends of History (Santa Fe) presents Brandon Morgan, PhD, who will give a lecture on “Raid and Reconciliation: Pancho Villa, Modernization, and Violence in the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands”. Partial description: “In Raid and Reconciliation, Brandon Morgan examines the story of Pancho Villa’s 1916 raid on Columbus, New Mexico and shows that violence was integral to the modern capitalist development that shaped the border. Raid and Reconciliation provides new insights into the Mexican Revolution and sheds light on the connections between violence and modernization. Lessons from this border story continue to resonate into today’s debates about the U.S.-Mexico borderlands.”
Free or donation up to $25 accepted.
See this web page: https://tinyurl.com/awdvph3m
For more info send e-mail to nmhmfriendsofhistory@gmail.com
Sat., May 10th at 2 PM, in person event, Salinas Pueblos National Monument gives a presentation on “Exploring the Story of Salinas Pueblos, Jumano/Tompiro, Sor Maria de Jesus de Agreda, and Spaniards”. Description: “New Mexico’s rich tapestry is woven from the lives and experiences of diverse cultures and peoples. Among these, the Salina Pueblos, their Native Jumano and Tompiro peoples, Sor Maria de Agreda, and the Spaniards all played significant roles in shaping the region's heritage. Their stories are intertwined, filled with exploration, colonization, and religious influences.
“Join us for a special presentation by Jumano member and speaker Bill Martinez Acosta on how the Salinas Pueblos, their Native Jumano and Tompiro peoples, Sor Maria de Agreda, and Spaniards all played a significant role in shaping the heritage of the Salinas Province. In his presentation titled "Exploring the Story of Salinas Pueblos, Jumano/Tompiro, Sor Maria de Jesus de Agreda, and Spaniards - An Intricate Tapestry of Cultures and Mysticism from a Native Perspective," Bill will share how these intertwined histories are still evident in New Mexico today. The ruins of the Salinas Pueblos stand as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of their inhabitants. The Jumanos' influence on trade and cultural exchange can be traced through the region's history. Sor Maria's story continues to inspire religious and historical interest. The Spaniards' impact on the cultural and demographic landscape of New Mexico remains a crucial part of the state's heritage. Their stories are a reminder of the interconnectedness of cultures and the impact of historical events on the present.”
At the Manzano Mountain Art Council Center at 101 East Broadway in Mountainair. Free.
See this web page for more info: https://tinyurl.com/yp2zk6xm
Sat., May 10th from 1 PM to 3 PM, in person event, the Catron County Historical Society at the Catron County Historical Museum on US route 60 in Quemado, presents Ruben Leyva, who will give a presentation on “The One Who Pulled Power Forth: The Naming of the Mangas Community”. See this Facebook post:
For more info call 575-773-4177.
Sat., May 10th at 2 PM, in person event, the Magdalena Public Library at 108 North Main St. in Magdalena presents Randell Major, who will discuss and sign copies of his new book “We Were Cowboys”. Free. See this Facebook post: https://tinyurl.com/2pzuctvr
Postponed from an earlier date.
For more info call 575-854-2361 or e-mail library@villageofmagdalena.com
Tue., May 13th at 7 PM, in person event, the Los Alamos Historical Society presents Tom Ribe, who will give a lecture on “The Cerro Grande Fire and 25 Years of Mega Fires”. Free. Description: “On May 13th, we will welcome Tom Ribe to our lecture series stage. Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Cerro Grande Fire, Tom will talk about his book Inferno By Committee (updated and rereleased in 2025). We hope to see you there for this important discussion.”
In the Pajarito Room at the Fuller Lodge at 2132 Central Ave. in Los Alamos.
See this Facebook post: https://tinyurl.com/yc3s5mj9
Wed., May 14th at 10:30 AM, virtual and in person event, at the main Albuquerque Library at 5th and Copper Sts. in ABQ, the Albuquerque Genealogical Society (AGS) presents Karen Jones, who will give a presentation on “Genealogical Estate Planning”. Partial description: “Most of us genealogists have spent thousands of hours doing research and collecting records of past generations. How much time have we spent preparing to pass our treasures on to the coming generations? We, of all people, know the uncertainty of life. What can we do to ensure that our work will survive us? Karen Jones will share with us a step-by-step process for preparing our work to be distributed when we are gone.”
See this web page: https://tinyurl.com/tsyyuemh
If planning to attend virtually, click on this link to register: https://tinyurl.com/2bshxumf
You will receive an e-mail confirming your registration.
Wed., May 14th at noon, in person event, the State Records Center in the Pinon Room at 1205 Camino Carlos Rey in Santa Fe, presents State Historian Rob Martinez, who will speak on "Casta: Race & Identity in colonial New Mexico". No info available on-line.
Thu., May 15th at 7 PM, in person event, the Doña Ana County Historical Society meets at Las Cruces Good Samaritan Village in the Stucky Auditorium downstairs in the main activities building at 3011 Buena Vida Circle in Las Cruces. Sean Schifano will talk about James B. Edson, astronomer at Lowell Observatory. His sister married Clyde Tombaugh and he helped bring them to Las Cruces because of White Sands.
See this web page: http://www.donaanacountyhistsoc.org/
For more info send e-mail to 19dachs63@gmail.com
Fri., May 16th from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, in person event, the New Mexico History Museum at 113 Lincoln Avenue in Santa Fe, presents project archivist Hall Frost, who will give a presentation on “Out There Adventure - The Photographs of Karl Kernberger”. Free to New Mexico residents.
See this web page: https://tinyurl.com/ywnmkcs5
May 16th to 18th, in person event, attend Festival Sefardi 2025: Centering Indigenous Experience in New Mexico Jewish History. At Congregation Nahalat Shalomat at 3606 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, in ABQ. Brief description: “Casa Sefarad is dedicated to programming that reflects the experiences of Sephardic/Mizrahi Jews, particularly the “crypto” or “hidden” Jews of New Mexico. Casa Sefarad also hosts monthly Shabbat services, poetry readings, and the annual Festival Sefardí. This project is supported in part by New Mexico Arts, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment for the Arts, the New Mexico Humanities Council, and the Stratton-Petit Foundation.”
See this web site with very detailed info and ticket prices: https://www.nahalatshalom.org/festival-sefard-2025
For more information contact hershel@hershelweiss.com
Sat., May 17th at 2 PM, in person event, The Friends of the Los Lunas Public Library & Museum of Heritage & Arts hosts New Mexico author Anne Hillerman at the Los Lunas Transportation Center (next to Rail Runner station) in Los Lunas. This free event will feature remarks by the author and sale of many of her books, including her newest, “Shadow of the Solstice”. Refreshments will be provided.
See this Facebook post: https://tinyurl.com/59727886
Sat., May 17th at 10:30 AM, in person event, The Albuquerque Main Library at the corner of 5th and Copper Sts. presents David Menicucci, who will talk on “Italian Immigrants: Their Lives and Legacy in Albuquerque”. Description: “Raised in an Italian family in Albuquerque, professional researcher and author David Menicucci presents the story of his family's 200-year odyssey from Luca, Italy, to capture the American dream in Albuquerque. His new book includes almost every Italian family in Albuquerque between 1900 and 1950 and explores their businesses, lifestyle, relationships, and contributions to our community.”
See this web page: https://libevents.abqlibrary.org/event/14503618
Sat., May 17th at 1:30 PM, virtual event, the Albuquerque Genealogical Society, as part of its continuing program on the ABCs of DNA, presents Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D., who will give a presentation on “Evaluating a Genealogical Conclusion Including DNA Evidence”. Description: “Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D., is a professional genealogist specializing in DNA evidence and the use of artificial intelligence for genealogical research. He is the author of the long-running blog The Genetic Genealogist, and frequently gives presentations and webinars to educate others about the use of DNA and artificial intelligence. Description: Incorporating DNA evidence with documentary evidence is not a simple matter. It requires careful and methodical analysis of a variety of different autosomal DNA limitations and pitfalls, many of which we will discuss in this session. For example, we will examine essential considerations for EVERY genealogical conclusion using DNA, including confirmation bias, Tree Completeness, shared DNA amounts, and more.”
See this web page for more info: https://tinyurl.com/kryxy5ep
If planning to attend virtually, click on this link to register: https://tinyurl.com/yem3mh3e
Sat., May 17th at 2 PM, in person event, author Donna Pedace will give a talk on “Women Warriors: Hidden Spies in World War II”. At the Wheels Museum at 1100 2nd St., SW in ABQ. Description: “Note from the author: Perhaps the bravest of them all, Noor Inayat Khan was the first female radio operator sent to France by the British Special Operations Executive (SOE). A descendant of Indian royalty, she set aside her Sufi pacifist beliefs to volunteer in the fight against Nazi occupation. Noor provided invaluable support to both the British and the French Resistance before being captured by the Gestapo. Despite brutal interrogations, she refused to betray her comrades. Classified under the "Nacht und Nebel" ("Night and Fog") directive—designed to make prisoners disappear without a trace—she was eventually transported to Dachau Concentration Camp, where she was executed.”
Admission is free, but donations are always gratefully accepted. For more info call 505-243-6269 or send e-mail to info@WheelsMuseum.org
Sat., May 17th from 10 AM to 3 PM, in person event, the Corrales Historical Society celebrates “Heritage Day Agua es Vida”, Free. See this Facebook post with a full description of events planned for the day: https://tinyurl.com/5n9b7ez8
Sat., May 17th from 10 AM to 3 PM, in person event, the Corrales Historical Society celebrates “Heritage Day Agua es Vida”, Free. See this Facebook post with a full description of events planned for the day: https://tinyurl.com/5n9b7ez8
Sat., May 17th at 10:30 AM, in person event, The Albuquerque Main Library at the corner of 5th and Copper Sts. presents David Menicucci, who will talk on “Italian Immigrants: Their Lives and Legacy in Albuquerque”. Description: “Raised in an Italian family in Albuquerque, professional researcher and author David Menicucci presents the story of his family's 200-year odyssey from Luca, Italy, to capture the American dream in Albuquerque. His new book includes almost every Italian family in Albuquerque between 1900 and 1950 and explores their businesses, lifestyle, relationships, and contributions to our community.”
See this web page: https://libevents.abqlibrary.org/event/14503618
Sat., May 17th at 1:30 PM, virtual event, the Albuquerque Genealogical Society, as part of its continuing program on the ABCs of DNA, presents Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D., who will give a presentation on “Evaluating a Genealogical Conclusion Including DNA Evidence”. Description: “Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D., is a professional genealogist specializing in DNA evidence and the use of artificial intelligence for genealogical research. He is the author of the long-running blog The Genetic Genealogist, and frequently gives presentations and webinars to educate others about the use of DNA and artificial intelligence. Description: Incorporating DNA evidence with documentary evidence is not a simple matter. It requires careful and methodical analysis of a variety of different autosomal DNA limitations and pitfalls, many of which we will discuss in this session. For example, we will examine essential considerations for EVERY genealogical conclusion using DNA, including confirmation bias, Tree Completeness, shared DNA amounts, and more.”
See this web page for more info: https://tinyurl.com/kryxy5ep
If planning to attend virtually, click on this link to register: https://tinyurl.com/yem3mh3e
Sun., May 18th at 2 PM, in person event, the El Morro Area Arts Council at the Old School Gallery on route 53 in Ramah, presents Andrew Shows, who will do a book signing and discuss his book “Indians, Cowboys, and UFOs”. Description: “Stories of a teacher on a small Navajo Reservation in 1970s New Mexico … “surrounded by cowboys, Mormons, Mexicans and Zuni Indians was quite a shock to a boy from Baltimore. This was not the sleepy reservation experience I was expecting. It was so much more. It was a celebration of diversity, individualism and native tradition.”
See this web page: https://tinyurl.com/2n85uk4n
Sun., May 18th at 2 PM, in person event, the Valencia County Historical Society holds its Annual Road Show and Personal Antiques Display. At the Los Lunas Transportation Center (next to the Rail Runner station) off of Courthouse Road in Los Lunas.
Sun., May 18th at 2 PM, in person event, the Martha Liebert Library at 124 Calle Malinche in Bernalillo, as part of its Coronado Lecture Series. presents Ed McCool, who will give a talk on “Tribes, Pueblos, and Federal Control”. Free. Description: “Do you know what plenary power over Tribal recognition means? It’s part of our history and certainly impacts our Puebloan, Navajo and Apache neighbors. Legal constructs such as Independent Sovereign Nations, Blood Quantum and jurisdiction over criminal acts all have an historical and legal basis. And, how do Native American casinos factor into this legal scenario? This talk will explain, in a guilt-free overview, some of the Federal laws governing our Native American neighbors. Ed McCool, a retired attorney, served as a tribal attorney for the Navajo Nation Council for ten years. He holds a Master of law (LL.M) in Indigenous Law and Policy from the University of Arizona Rogers School of Law and a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) in law and Masters in Political Science from Temple University. He was the director and chief lobbyist for New Jersey Common Cause in addition to being an attorney for Community Legal Services.”
See this web page: https://bernalillolibrary.libcal.com/event/14008418
Sun., May 18th at 2 PM, in person event, the Corrales Historical Society presents Sheila Fox, who will give a presentation on “Ladino Musical Expressions of the Pre-Renaissance Era in Spain”. Free. At Casa San Ysidro at 966 Old Church Road in Corrales.
See this web page for detailed info: https://www.corraleshistory.org/speaker.html
For more info send e-mail to CHSSpeakerSeries@CorralesHistory.org
Sat., May 24th at 11 AM, in person event, the Special Collections Library at the corner of Central Ave. and Edith hold its monthly library tour. Free. Description: “Take a tour of Albuquerque's oldest public library. The Special Collections Library houses research collections on Albuquerque history and New Mexico history and culture. The 1925 Pueblo/Spanish Revival-style building is a registered Albuquerque Historic Landmark in the historic Huning Highlands Historic District, on the New Mexico State Register of Cultural Properties and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2024. Our bimonthly tours are on the 4th Saturday of every other month at 11:00 a.m.. You are also welcome to call us at 505-848-1376 or to email us to schedule a tour if the regularly scheduled tour is not convenient.”
See this web page: https://libevents.abqlibrary.org/event/12979590
Sat., May 24th at 11 AM, in person event, the Wheels Museum at 1100 2nd St., SW in ABQ presents Ron Panebouf, who will give a talk on “The Pony Express”. Description: “Ron will present the timeline of communication from pony express letter, postcards, telegrams, texting and back again! Everyone who attends will be able to "send a telegram" to someone else in the audience and get a reply- quicker and easier than texting! This fun, educational interactive presentation will bring back memories and discuss how things really don’t change. The need to communicate with each other is vital.”
Admission is free, but donations are always gratefully accepted. For more info call 505-243-6269 or send e-mail to info@WheelsMuseum.org
Tue., May 27th from 10:30 AM to 2 PM, in person event, Albuquerque Genealogical Society (AGS) Research Day: need help with your genealogy? At the main ABQ library at 5th and Copper in ABQ, in the genealogy center on the second floor. No set schedule. The number in the genealogy center is 768-5141.
See this web page: https://tinyurl.com/2rk5rz46
Tue., May 27th from 1:30 PM to 3 PM, virtual and in person event, the Albuquerque Genealogical Society’s Celtic Research Group meets on the second floor at the ABQ main library at 5th and Copper Sts. in ABQ and on-line.
See this web page for more info: https://abqgen.org/events/celtic-sig-2025/
Link to register if you wish to participate on-line via Zoom: https://tinyurl.com/sxkezn6z