I was honored to be part of the New Mexico History Conference, the signature event of the Historical Society of New Mexico. Since the 1970s, this event has been hosted all over New Mexico. This year, the conference was held in unique, friendly Silver City, the heart of an area rich in history and culture from March 30–April 1, 2023. Hosting the conference for the first time this year, Silver City has many historic neighborhoods, two museums, a lively downtown, and an active arts community.
Along with my co-presenter Mary Ragins, I discussed John Gaw Meem, arguably New Mexico’s most influential architect, considered the greatest champion of “Santa Fe Style’’ architecture. We gave an overview of Meem’s upbringing, arrival in the state, and a brief history of Santa Fe’s 19th-century physical character. We focused on his “top 10” buildings, including a look at Meem’s little-known work in Silver City. Our presentation happened on Friday, March 31st, 1:30-3:00 PM at the Grant County Veteran’s Memorial Conference & Business Center.
The New Mexico History Conference had a top-notch line-up of presentations and activities exploring the events, cultures, stories, and perspectives that add to the mosaic of New Mexico’s rich history, from the earliest inhabitants to the recent past.
