Section 1: museum overview Cultures Communities Connections new mexico history museum The New Mexico History Museum will use the artifacts and stories of our state’s past to inspire and enrich the lives of citizens and visitors. For the first time we will have a museum that honors our state and those who are part of its history and distinctive cultural mix. For the first time we will have a space to present our complex collective heritage through the experiences of those who came before. New Mexico History Museum 3 “ new mexico history museum An Exhibition Overview e all perceive history differently its dynamic mix of peoples and cultures; the depending on our interests changing composition of the state; the regional Wand experiences. And those differences; and the great economic, political, differences affect our perceptions. The prism and cultural shifts that have left their mark over through which we view the past influences the past centuries. which events we remember, which we forgot. Drawing attention to different viewpoints It affects what stories we tell, and how we tell and experiences also makes it easier to confront section highlights them. But often they grow out of cultural or and discuss popular preconceptions and mis- communal differences. Moreover, viewpoints u The notion that the “eye of the be- conceptions. Ask most Americans to summarize can change over time. When you look at holder” matters, and that perspectives American history, and they will likely talk of events colors how you look at events. change over time, informs the very Europeans landing on the Eastern seaboard These differences in perspective are implicit and gradually pushing westward. Some might structure of the exhibition. in any historical account. But the New Mexico mention the Native Americans. Very few u New Mexico’s physical environment History Museum will make them explicit as would be likely to cite the long, early history and cultural landscape are both well. The notion that the “eye of the beholder” of Spanish settlements, or the early settlers matters, and that perspectives change over coming north from Mexico. Most Americans dynamic and unique. time, informs the very structure of the are accustomed to viewing history from the exhibition—including the names given to the standpoint of the eastern United States, recon- u The concept of varied viewpoints various sections of the narrative. It will come structing a familiar chain of events that leads is intrinsic to the Museum’s through in the selection of events, images, from Jamestown in 1607 to Philadelphia in structure and voice. and voices that form the narrative. 1776. But there are other vantages. And each yields a different vista. The concept of varied u The New Mexico History Museum Constructing History viewpoints frames the exhibition narrative. is linked to the Palace of the By calling attention to the idea that viewpoints vary, the Museum can more easily highlight Governors both physically and several of New Mexico’s most distinctive aspects: thematically. New Mexico History Museum 4 “ In adapting to the environment, societies change it both purposefully and by accident, and in turn adapt to the changes … William DeBuys, Enchantment and Exploration, 1985 ” Overarching Themes: “ownership,” a feeling that no matter where Landscape, Culture, and Time they come from or what their particular back- New Mexico’s unique physical environment has ground, this is their museum and embraces their profoundly shaped the state’s character. Weather, story. The tone and attitude of the exhibition water, natural resources, and topography all play can create a welcoming and inclusive sensibility a role in the New Mexico story, coloring every- that implicitly acknowledges the complexity thing from population density and settlement of New Mexico. patterns to local customs, interactions among Visitors to the state also should come away various peoples, foods, crafts, and tourism. with a broad and varied view of New Mexico, But the story of New Mexico is not just a story but for different reasons. They are not expecting of a place, but of people. The cultural landscape to see themselves and their communities here. is both dynamic and unique. And because New They anticipate an introduction to the state. Mexico’s community has not been static, time The Museum can ensure that they look beyond becomes the third major ingredient. When you the famous tourist sites and well-known look determines whom you see, and what you see. locations, that they discover a rich New Mexico Audience & outside Santa Fe and Taos, Roswell and Interpretive Approach Los Alamos. The audience for the exhibition is broad and The approach of the exhibition can help to falls into two broad categories: New Mexico meet the needs of both groups. The concept of residents and visitors. The needs and interests varied viewpoints is intrinsic to the Museum’s of both overlap, but are not identical. structure and voice. A primary goal is to For residents of New Mexico, it is important illustrate the different perceptions that arise from that the exhibition span the entire state living in different locations, at different periods, and include voices from diverse communities or coming from different backgrounds. Having and regions. There should be a sense of multiple viewpoints will enable residents to New Mexico History Museum 5 put themselves in the narrative among the chorus of speakers. And illustrating different perspectives, particularly as related to different geographical regions, will introduce visitors to the breadth and diversity of the state. The Palace & The Museum The New Mexico History Museum is linked to the Palace of the Governors both physically and thematically. The physical connection It is the landscape which nurtures and is apparent: a walkway connects the historic “ building to the new facility. The thematic preserves a basic culture, and language which connection is equally important. assures its continuation … Angélico Chávez, My Penitente The Palace is an evocative reminder of the Land: Reflections on Spanish New Mexico, ”1974 state’s roots and unique character. As an historic artifact in its own right, the Palace brings a sense of place, tangibly linking the story to the com- munity. The new museum building, meanwhile, embodies the character of today’s New Mexico. It is a 21st century structure. Yet inside is narrative that looks back as well as ahead, the fruit of four centuries of evolution. It is an amalgam of voices and influences—connected to the past, curious about its evolution, and looking to the future. New Mexico History Museum 6 “ Palace of the Governors: A Witness to History Organizational Overview he Palace of the Governor’s is more museum settings. Preserving a strong sense of than just a place to show the history of place that takes full advantage of the unique TNew Mexico. It is part of the story— environment is an important goal. a witness to history. If it were flesh and blood, Exhibit Elements the building would have its own tale to tell, its The Palace is an historic structure, not a blank own perspective on events. And it is this distinct slate to be used and carved up according to an narrative and viewpoint that we will try to tease exhibition program. The division of spaces into section highlights out. Exhibits will be grounded in a very tangible discrete galleries therefore hews closely to the sense of place, reflecting the history of u The Palace is an evocative reminder of existing floorplan—with some modifications. New Mexico. the state’s roots and unique character. Galleries and spaces in the Palace include: The displays planned for the Palace will tell the {Entrance & Ticket Area} u The displays planned for the Palace story of the state as seen through the Palace: The entrance to the building will remain in its through the eyes of those who lived and worked will tell the story of the state as seen current location, but with an exterior treatment here, through the events that unfolded here, through the eyes of the Palace. that gives it a more prominent presence on the from the standpoint of those representing street. More significant is the reconfigured ticket- u “official New Mexico” at the Palace. Some of the The first room will celebrate the Native ing area. The ticket desk is shifted in order to open events and themes covered here will be touched American Portal Artisans Program, a clear vista into the courtyard from the entrance, on as well in the new Museum building. But an educational program of the Palace. helping to pull in visitors and take greater here, the perspective, tone, and presentation will advantage of the architecture. Seating along the differ—reinforcing the underlying theme of u A gallery of Spanish colonial art courtyard wall will help to make this a visually multiple viewpoints that is expressed through- work will touch on the influence intriguing space as well as a functional space. out much of the Museum. of Spanish rule and culture. {Artisans & Portal Program} In deference to the character of the historic To the left of the entrance, the first room you u building, display spaces will balance period The Palace will have a retail shop see will celebrate the Portal Program, including rooms and re-creations with more neutral and changing exhibition area that a brief history of the program as well as changes features the Palace Press and historic Photographic Collections. New Mexico History Museum 7 “ … the Spanish New Mexicans know that they are not aliens but natives of their very own landscape for almost four hundred years … Angélico Chávez, My Penitente Land: Reflections on Spanish New Mexico, 1974” and controversies over the years. Here, visitors How has it been altered over the centuries? These can watch an artisan at work.