Be a part of history by joining the state's newest museum -- the New Mexico History Museum -- on its first day of service to the public. Located on Lincoln Avenue just behind the Palace of the Governors on the Santa Fe Plaza, the Museum offers an introduction to more than four centuries of human interaction in the American Southwest. Historical artifacts that have been in storage for decades are coming out of hiding, thanks to the Museum's expansive galleries. Join us:
9am-noon: Members-only preview, hosted by the Museum of New Mexico Foundation and the Women's Board of the Museum of New Mexico. MNM members can get a sneak peek at the Museum exhibits and enjoy a light breakfast and live music. Not a member yet? Find out how to become a member at www.museumfoundation.org or sign up at the event.
12-6pm: Free admission to the Museum and its exhibits.
12-1 pm: Native American drumming in the Palace Courtyard.
1-3 pm: Ribbon-cutting with Dr. Frances Levine, director of the Museum, and other dignitaries in the Palace Courtyard. Presentation of the Colors by La Orden Military; Pledge of Allegiance; Blessings of the Ground; ribbon-cutting and ceremonial walk over the bridge connecting the Palace Courtyard to the Museum.
3-6 pm: Procession of lowriders and display outside the Palace. Participants includes Joseph, Matt and Bobby Chacon; Almardo and Pam Jaramillo; Victor Martinez.
3-4 pm: Santa Fe Indian School Spoken Word Team performance (Dia de los Ninos/Dia de los Libros) on the Plaza. Indigenous youth writer, the team members have received national recognition for performances of poetry that incorporate Native languages and philosophies. The school's spoken-word program demonstrates the importance of culture, history, tradition, identity and poetry. The youths are coached by teacher and writer Tim McLaughlin.
3-5:30 pm: Museum of New Mexico Press/University of New Mexico Press booksigning in the History Museum Gathering Space. Participating authors: Emily Abbink, Nancy Benson, Janet Chapman, William deBuys, Meredith Dodge, Jon Hunner, John Pen LaFarge, Frances Levine, Jack Loeffler, Andrew Lovato, Gail Y. Okawa, Carmella Padilla, Jack Parsons, Jason Shapiro, Thomas J. Steele, Louise Stiver, Mary Jean Straw Cook, Henry Tobias, Robert Torrez, Joseph Traugott, Marta Weigle.
4-4:30 pm: Kenpo Po Karate School demonstration on the Plaza. Like the History Museum, the Kenpo School believes the next generation -- our future history-makers -- will be more successful with a confident and well-rounded childhood. Participants: D'Kota Potter, 5; Carlos Garcia, 5; Markus Vigil, 10; Evan Watkins, 7; Fernanda Carranza, 9; Maria Lozova, 12; Tommy Dearing, 14; Maria Najarro.
4:30-5 pm: Mariachi Sonidos del Monte (Sounds of the Mountain) on the Plaza. With a variety of violins, trumpets, guitars, a guitarron, vihuela and a range of harmonic voices, this group is quickly becoming a Northern New Mexico favorite.The group plays traditional Mexican favorites with its own unique sound. Musicians include Raul Duran, violin; Sean Trujillo, violin; Anthony Ortiz, violin; Santiago Romero, guitar; Fernando Romero, guitarron; Rachel Miller, vihuela; Christina Gomez, guitar; Brandie Duran, violin; Eric Ortiz, trumpet; Nikki Brancha, trumpet.
5-6pm: Institute for Spanish Arts and Maria Benitez's La Generacion performance on the Plaza. World-renowned flamenco dancer Maria Benitez, with the Institute for Spanish Arts, formed this company of young New Mexicans to preserve and strenghten our rich and diverse artistic heritage. Since 2003, the company has fostered new generations of artists and audiences by stimulating public awareness of Hispanic and Spanish art and culture -- bolstering the Museum's desire to carry a legacy of history and identity to the next generation. The company, consisting of children ages 10-18, has performed throughout the state. Maria Benitez, with her husband, Cecilio, founded and direct Maria Benitez Teatro Flamenco, long known for its commitment to excellence.
6-6:30pm: Order of the Thistle pipes and drums on the Plaza. Besides performing throughout New Mexico, this band attended the Pipefest '05 in Edinburgh, Scotland, marching with more than 400 bands from around the world. They show New Mexico has more than three cultures comprising its varied heritage. The band, wearing the muted MacDonald tartan, range from 10-year-olds to seniors. Members include Ron Crawford, pipe major; Lisa Lashley, pipe sergeant; Gwyneth Duncan, drum sergeant; Ed Hansen, piper; Cullen Dwyer, drummer, bass; Paulette Keeney, piper; Louis Jacobs, drummer, tenor.
