New Mexico History Museum


 

Since moving here one of my favorite pastimes has been visiting all the museums across the state. So far I have been fortunate enough to learn about the states gemstone, one of the most historically storied families in racing, the Native American history, hot air balloons and even the largest collection of rattlesnakes in one building. But ironically enough I had yet to visit a museum dedicated to the state itself. Thankfully that all changed on a recent daytrip to Santa Fe where I finally made it to the New Mexico History Museum. 

The museum itself is in a great spot right across from the plaza, and when you walk in you are instantly transported through the rich history of New Mexico. The main exhibit serves as a timeline of the state’s history across the multiple levels of the museum. Guests start in the earliest days and learn about everything from Coronado to New Mexico’s involvement in the Civil War through the struggle to achieve statehood, through the current day. In addition, there are rotating exhibits featuring great artwork, pottery, archeology, and New Mexico’s involvement in other historical events. While I was there the exhibit was on Fred Harvey and the locomotive in New Mexico. 

However, as cool as the exhibits inside the museum are the highlight of visiting here is the ability to enter and walk around the Palace of the Governors. This small adobe building right in the heart of the plaza is over 400 years old and is still standing today. To put that into perspective this building has been around for 160 years before the United States became a country. It has been around through all the different countries that have colonized New Mexico. Now, when I was there and walking around it a lot of it was under renovation, so I couldn’t see all of it. However, what I did see was still amazing. Walking around this house showed its age in all aspects from the small fireplace to the very old hardwood floors. Most impressive though are the preserved window and hole in the floor that allow guests to see original framing, and foundation of this house. Anybody that loves history would really enjoy the opportunity to see this. 

So, the question I always answer at the end is would I go again? Yes. I would love to see the new exhibits as they rotate and would love to see the Palace of the Governor once its renovation is complete. It would take some planning though as I do not get up to Santa Fe often but seeing this museum again could be the perfect excuse for another day trip. It’s easy to forget for that as new of a state that New Mexico is (1912) its history is older than the country due to it being a colony. This museum was so full of information that I’m sure I missed out on a lot. I would highly recommend it as part of any time spent in Santa Fe, it just adds to what is already an amazing city. 

To see photos of my adventures follow my Instagram @the_nm_tx or tag me using #thenmtx
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