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04/28/2020
profile-icon Elizabeth Villa
Archives and Special Collections (ASC) holds the collection of Dr. Thomas K. Todsen, a prolific collector of material relating to New Mexico and the Southwest, especially photographs and postcards.
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04/23/2020
profile-icon Dylan McDonald
In hopes of documenting the effects brought by COVID-19 to NMSU, Las Cruces, and Southern New Mexico, the staff at the Archives and Special Collections (ASC) is reaching out to readers to collect and record the response to this public health crisis.
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04/21/2020
profile-icon Jennifer Olguin

The Archives and Special Collections (ASC), recently acquired additional letters to add to the existing Herbert B. Holt papers (Ms0061). These papers provide a glimpse of life in the Mesilla Valley during late 1890s into the early 1900s.

Black and white image of Herbert B. Holt
Herbert B. Holt, December 22, 1913 (00010097)

Herbert Holt was a prominent lawyer in the Mesilla Valley and practiced law in the early 1900s until the 1950s. He was involved in various community affairs, such as serving on the board of regents for the New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts from 1902 to 1907, and helping organize the Elephant Butte Water Users’ Association in 1905, serving as its first president until 1911. Along with his community involvement, Holt was active in the political scene. He served as a state senator in the first session of the New Mexico Legislature and was majority floor leader from 1912-1917.

The 34 newly acquired letters are from Holt’s wife Nellie and span the years 1897-1912. The letters from Nellie inform Herbert of various hometown and family matters that occurred during his business travels. The letters contain information about their family, social events, politics and business matters in Las Cruces.

Image of letter
Letter from Nellie to Herbert regarding a telegram, March 25, 1902, page 1.
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Letter from Nellie regarding a telegram, page 2.

While processing the collection and incorporating the additional correspondence, it was fascinating reading and imagining how Las Cruces was back in the 1890s and early 1900s. In one of the letters, Nellie describes in detail an outing to the college, which was back then known as the New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts.

The papers also contain material concerning Holt’s appointment as captain in the New Mexico Home Guard from 1918-1920 (now known as the New Mexico National Guard). Additional material found in the collection includes legal papers pertaining to mining in the region and political items. If you are interested in viewing additional materials from the Herbert Holt papers, take a look at the updated finding aid, which can be found in the New Mexico Archives Online database.

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04/14/2020
profile-icon Jennifer Olguin

Hi, I am Jennifer Olguin, the archivist for the Rio Grande Historical Collections (RGHC). I joined the Archives and Special Collections department in 2010 as a library specialist and in 2018 I obtained my Master of Library Science degree from the University of North Texas. Being the archivist in the RGHC unit is rewarding and fulfilling because I have the opportunity to serve the New Mexico State University and Las Cruces communities with their research needs.

Various archival formats found in RGHC

The RGHC was established in 1972 with the purpose to “to acquire, preserve, and make available for research records of organizations, personal papers and other unpublished materials which document the cultural heritage and history of New Mexico and the Southwestern experience.” Since the creation of the RGHC, I am the first Latina archivist and with my cultural background combined with my interest in the history of the Mesilla Valley and borderland region this is my ideal profession!

If you are curious and want to do some research and explore the Mesilla Valley and the borderland region, the RGHC is the place to start. The diverse collections found in the RGHC may be of use to amateur and professional researchers and anyone in-between wanting to explore various disciplines such as the social and physical sciences, genealogy, activism, creative writing and other areas. Some archival collections that are found within the repository include the Elephant Butte Irrigation District records, which document water rights in the region and contain information pertaining to the district’s executive operations, and family papers documenting life in the Mesilla Valley such as the Amador and Armijo family papers. There are many more archival collections to explore, but the two previously mentioned provide an example of the diverse archival holdings.

The focus is to make incoming collections accessible to all. Making collections accessible includes arranging, describing and preserving collections to meet archival standards. The result of processing includes a detailed descriptive guide known as a finding aid. A finding aid provides brief biographical information about the creator(s) of a set of records or manuscripts, an overview of the subjects and dates represented in the records and a list of boxes and folders. Finding aids for most of the RGHC’s collections can be browsed or searched on the New Mexico Archives Online database at: https://nmarchives.unm.edu/

If you would like to know more about the unit or about a specific archival collection, you can reach me via email or telephone:

Email: jechavez@nmsu.edu

Telephone: (575) 646-7281

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04/13/2020
profile-icon Teddie Moreno
The HathiTrust Digital Library holds copies of more than 6.7 million public domain and Creative Commons-licensed works. During the COVID-19 pandemic,HathiTrust is offering Emergency Temporary Access Service (ETAS) to expand access to member libraries.
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04/09/2020
profile-icon Elizabeth Villa
What is reprographics and what do we do? Quite literally, it’s the reproduction of graphic material. For the Archives and Special Collections (ASC) that primarily means digitizing the photographic and other visual material in our collections.
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04/07/2020
profile-icon Jennifer Olguin

The week of April 6th-10th marks an occasion that the Archives and Special Collections (ASC) acknowledges each year. Student Employee Appreciation Week gives us a chance to recognize and thank our student employees for the outstanding contributions they perform in the department. Usually gift cards for coffee and small treats are shared with student employees throughout the week and we throw a pizza party on a day when all the student employees can gather for a lunch with the department members. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, these dedicated student employees now are learning their new mode of attending online classes, while also teleworking to help make our collections more accessible. Since we are not able to physically host our annual gathering as a department to honor our students, we feel it is only right to recognize their efforts, express our gratitude, and let you see for yourself how much they do for us.

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NMSU Library Your Destination To Discovery

The ASC department employs six part-time students who assist in a variety of tasks that are essential to the workplace. When a student is first hired by ASC, it is quite common for them to be overwhelmed by the vast amount of material housed in the repository. As they become acquainted with the department and the different units, they are amazed with the variety and amount of content available to researchers. Not long ago, we had a student employee sorting through the Aggie Sports Archive when he came across a photo of his mother when she was a NMSU Sun Dancer. That goes to show you never know what piece of history you will uncover when going through archival collections. Every aisle in the ASC has rich information and one could get lost in all the historical material located in the archives!

Our student employees work throughout the four different units in the department and are assigned to tasks such as creating inventories, retrieving and shelving materials for researchers, fulfilling duplication requests, and digitizing photographs, just to point out a few day-to-day tasks.

Each day is different in the archives and our students play a major role in all the work we do. Students have the opportunity to take a look back in history and explore the deep well of archival information while processing a collection or completing a duplication request. Student employees handle and learn about materials such as ledgers, scrapbooks, correspondence, and a variety of media formats. At times, students are unaware what type of media formats they are handling, so it is exciting to see their reactions when interacting with older and at times obsolete formats.

The student employees that are highlighted below are instrumental to the department and they use their skills and abilities on a daily basis to provide access to archival resources.

Special Collections

Sarah Schrock works in the Special Collections unit. She joined the team during her freshmen year in 2016. She is the “senior” citizen of the student employees in the ASC department because she has been with the department longer than any other student. She is currently finishing her BA in English with an emphasis in creative writing and a minor in literature. During the past four years, she says she has enjoyed working in the Special Collections and that she has handled and learned about the interesting materials that the department holds. Her first project was organizing the bound volumes of Las Cruces Sun News newspapers, dating from the 1950s to current issues. While teleworking during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sarah is transcribing oral histories that were recorded during the 1970s with people living during the times of Billy the Kid. She says, “being able to work on so many interesting and important materials that the department holds has really been an eye opening and learning experience for me!”

Political Collections

Carlos Perez began working in ASC in January 2019 and is studying towards his degree in computer engineering technology. He started in the Reprographics unit scanning photographs, then went on to assist in the University Archives checking for duplicates in University publications. Carlos moved on to the Political Collections where he has been working on the papers of former president of the Mescalero Apache tribe, Wendell Chino.

Rio Grande Historical Collections

Isabel Lopez joined the ASC department in the fall of 2017, working in the Rio Grande Historical Collections, and she is the go-to student when trying to locate a collection. She is majoring in nursing and hopes to work in pre- or post-natal care. When Isabel was asked what she enjoys about working in the archives she responded, “Some of my favorite things about working for the Archives and Special Collections are all of the amazing and unique materials I get to work with. One that particularly stands out to me is a collection I processed called the Keller, Miller, and Co. records, which is over 100 years old! Another great thing about the archives is the people that work there. From the students, to the staff, everyone makes working here awesome. I’m lucky to be a part of such a great department!”

As mentioned earlier, Isabel is very knowledgeable about the collections housed in RGHC. She has processed various collections ranging from organizational collections to personal papers, created inventories, entered finding aid content into archival databases and recently has undertaken the task of creating shelf inventories to keep track of individual collections located in the archives.

Natalia Baca is a second-year student and joined the ASC department this past January. While enrolled at NMSU, she hopes to become a neonatal intensive care unit nurse. She is also working toward a minor in Spanish. After graduation, she plans to work as a traveling nurse for a few years and then settling down in either Texas or New Mexico. When she is not immersed in her studies or working in the RGHC, she volunteers once a week at her church preparing meals for people and she is also very active at her family ranch working with cattle and horses.

Natalia indicated that she enjoys working in the archives for the following reasons, “I have only worked in the archives for a few months, but I really enjoy working there. I actually looked forward to going to work and seeing what I was going to do that day. It was a very welcoming work environment and I always knew that if there was something I needed help with someone would help me and make sure I completely understood before going on with what they were doing. The archives department is a great place to work on campus. Everyone is very kind, which always makes my days better.”

While working in RGHC, Natalia has worked on several inventories for newly acquired collections, worked on duplication requests and as she becomes more familiar with the department she will assist and learn about the various functions of the archives.

Baylee Russo joined the ASC department in 2019 and currently is pursuing her degree in English with an emphasis in literature and a minor in creative writing. Her future aspirations after graduation are to become an author while also working in the area of interior design. Baylee is active in her local church while attending her studies.

Baylee indicated that the archives is a wonderful place to work. “What I probably enjoy the most is all the different kinds of projects I work on while being there. Just once I’ve finish one project, I am off to a new one that has new things for me to learn. One of my favorite projects has been helping to process collections that will be used for research.”

While working in the RGHC, Baylee assists in fulfilling microfilm orders for researchers, creating inventories, retrieving and shelving archival material and other tasks as assigned. Baylee indicated that the archives is such a quiet space, she finds she can get away from her studies and the stress of college life, and work on something different for a while.

Reprographics

Francisco Chavez joined the ASC team in 2019 and assists in the Reprographics unit. He currently is studying to obtain a BS in Biology. After completing his studies, he plans to attend grad school. Francisco indicated that working in the archives has furthered his knowledge of the state of New Mexico as well as his hometown, which is here in Las Cruces. He has worked on many projects from scanning and photographing images for patrons, cleaning and splicing 16mm film to reviewing historical documents while processing collections. Francisco says, “I’m thankful for the opportunity to work in Archives & Special Collections and enjoy working in a wonderful department. It has been an amazing time and great experience.”

Teresa Ramos joined the ASC team in January 2020 and is works in the Reprographics unit. She is pursuing a degree in psychology and aspires to become a clinical mental health counselor. When she is not working or involved in her studies, she enjoys reading poetry and spending time with her sister.

When Teresa was asked what she enjoys about working in the archives she responded, “Working in Archives and Special Collections is a unique experience and I love it. I especially enjoy looking at photographs from different time periods. It’s fascinating. I enjoy the people I have met, as they are all friendly and kind. There is never a dull moment, and the environment is so inviting.”

On behalf of the ASC staff, we appreciate each individual student and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

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04/06/2020
profile-icon Teddie Moreno

Hola! I’m Teddie, and even though I was born in Silver City and currently live in El Paso, I consider myself to be a native Las Crucen. I graduated from Las Cruces High School and have spent most of my adult life in the Mesilla Valley. The majority of my career was spent in public libraries. I have been a member of the Archives and Special Collections (ASC) team for the past six years. As the staff member who manages the schedule for the Caroline E. Stras Research Room, I have the opportunity to be the first point of contact with students, faculty, and other researchers who reach out to the Archives. The ASC department can be reached in a number of ways, by telephone, email, or through our online request form. All requests are directed to the most qualified archivist or staff person available to respond to the request.

It’s my pleasure to provide this descriptive tour to the quality resources and services available to researchers. A word of warning, there are a lot of links in this post.  They serve as a guide to those who want to explore our resources a little more in-depth. I won’t try and stop you if you want to click on them. You don’t have to click on them, but I would.

 

class listening to an instructor

Jennifer Olguin, RGHC Archivist, providing class instruction

During the regular semester, the reading room is available for research Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. When planning a visit to the ASC, it’s good to plan ahead. Check our calendar for holiday closures or class instruction sessions. As an added bonus for our NMSU faculty, our archivists provide class instruction to professors who wish for their classes to have a hands-on learning experience with archival material.  Like many universities and libraries across the country, the NMSU campus currently is functioning as essential personnel only. A physical visit to the library may not be possible for researchers, however, there are many online resources that can assist with the planning of research projects.

One of our most valued and well-used resources is the New Mexico Archives Online specialized guides that we refer to as finding aids are available on this site to help scholars, researchers, and educators discover primary source materials relevant to their studies. Our finding aids feature materials in our collections such as photographs, correspondences, maps, newspapers, posters, reports, and other media  from the borderland region

Additionally, there are many online resources offered to students, faculty, and members of the community using the NMSU Archives and Special Collections. A quick visit to our Digital Collections page and one can find access to 14 digital collections ranging from ACES Historical Publications to  Zuhl Geological and more collections just as fascinating in-between.

As part of our service to researchers, ASC provides duplication copies, such as PDF scans and xerox copies from books, journals, photographs, oral histories, and manuscripts in the collections, for research use. These copies are provided in accordance with the United States copyright law and the NMSU Acceptable Use policy.

Permission to copy does not convey the right to reproduce or publish the material. Researchers must submit a Permission to Use (PTU) form to reproduce or publish materials from the collections.  Although ASC does not charge a use fee, there is a minimal fee related to the duplication of material.

If you didn’t click on any of the links, now is a good time to go back and do it. You don’t have to… but I would.

If you have questions, feel free to contact me at teddie@nmsu.edu or feel free to reach out to all of the ASC department members at once at archives@lib.nmsu.edu.

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04/03/2020
profile-icon Jennifer Olguin

Chances are if you are from the Las Cruces area or have visited the City of Crosses, you most likely have driven past the Armijo residence or perhaps have visited the home when it was once was a bank. The historic Armijo residence is located on Lohman Avenue and the south end of Church Street. The home was purchased in 1877 by Nestor Armijo, one of the most successful businessmen and ranchers in Las Cruces during its early years. Soon after the purchase of the home, Nestor expanded the modest one-story house and added a second floor and veranda. The home was noted to be the first two-story in the city and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you would like to delve into the newly processed collection that contains further information about the Armijo home and learn more about a pair of pioneer families that once resided in the Mesilla Valley, the Archives and Special Collections (ASC) is your prime spot. The ASC recently processed and integrated additional material into the Armijo and Gallagher family papers, which includes an additional 20 linear feet of historical information pertaining to mercantile and ranching business in the region. Materials in the collection include letterpress books compiled by Nestor and his brother Nicolas. The letterpress books are a great research resource and contain well over a thousand letters dating from the 1880s to the early-1900s.

black and white photograph of a two story house with a fence and tall trees
Armijo residence, undated

The letterpress books offer a great deal of insight into various individuals with whom the brothers had interactions since they record outgoing letters that Nestor and Nicolas composed. Both personal and business matters are present in the books. Individuals found in the letterpress books include both New Mexicans and Mexicans such as then New Mexico Governor L. Bradford Prince, Albert Fall and Chihuahua banker Enrique Creel, to name a few connections that are represented.

In addition, the family papers provide an abundance of information for researchers who wish to explore and obtain insight on how New Mexican families carried out their lives before New Mexico became a state.

Highlights from the recently processed collection include:

· Genealogical information on the respective families

· Business and financial records

· Legal records

· Letterpress books belonging to Nestor and Nicolas Armijo

· Scrapbooks

· Photographs (portraits) of the Armijo family

Those interested in consulting the family papers are encouraged to visit the New Mexico Archives Online database finding aid for a detailed inventory of the materials included in the collection. The ASC staff looks forward in assisting you with your research.

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04/02/2020
profile-icon Dylan McDonald

Special Collections added the following 15 titles to Archives and Special Collection’s (ASC) holdings during the first quarter of 2020.  The list is a sample of purchased and donated publications and while not exhaustive, is meant to highlight recent acquisitions.  For a full list of Special Collections titles, please search Primo, the library’s catalog. 

Borderwall as Architecture: A Manifesto for the U.S.-Mexico Boundary by Ronald Rael (University of California Press: 2017) F787 .R33 2017

Cowboy Poetry: Classic Rhymes by S. Omar Barker edited by Mason Coggin, Janice Coggin, and Jon Richins (Cowboy Miner Productions: 1998) PS3503.A5686 C68 1998

Discordant Memories: Atomic Age Narratives and Visual Culture by Alison Fields (University of Oklahoma Press: 2020) UG1282.A8 F54 2020

El Norte: The Epic and Forgotten Story of Hispanic North America by Carrie Gibson (Grove Press: 2019) E40 .G53 2019

Eyes Bottle Dark with a Mouthful of Flowers: Poems by Jake Skeets (Milkweed Editions: 2019)  PS3619.K46 A6 2019

Interaction and Connectivity in the Greater Southwest edited by Karen G. Harry and Barbara J. Roth (University Press of Colorado: 2019) E78.S7 S576 2019

Leyes del Estado de Nuevo Mexicoaprobadas por la Segunda Sesion Regular de la Legislatura del Estado de Nuevo Mexico, que se reunio en la ciudad de Santa Fe, en el Capitolio, el dia 14 de Enero de 1913, y se prorrogo el dia 14 de Marzo de 1913 (Albuquerque Morning Journal: 1913) J87 .N6 C801.31, L3 1913

Mesquite: An Arboreal Love Affair by Gary Paul Nabhan (Chelsea Green Publishing: 2018) QK495.M545 N33 2018

Mickey Lavy’s Sketch Book of Fun Things to Do and See in the Southeast Quadrant of New Mexico by Mickey Lavy (Self-Published: 1968) F794.3 .L47 1968

Navajo Code Talker Manual by Jim Turner (Rio Nuevo Publishers: 2019) D810.C88 .N384 2019

NO MORE BULLIES!/¡NO MÁS BULLIES! (Owl in a Straw Hat 2) by Rudolfo Anaya, illustrated by El Moisés (Museum of New Mexico Press: 2019) PZ73 .A495918 2019

Over the Range to the Golden Gate. A Complete Tourist’s Guide to Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, California, Oregon, Puget Sound and the Great Northwest by Stanley Wood (R.R. Donnelley & Sons: 1904) F595 .W88 1904

Palomino: Clinton Jencks and Mexican-American Unionism in the American Southwest by James J. Lorence (University of Illinois Press; 2013) HD8073.J46 L67 2013

The Victorio Peak Mystery: A Search for the Greatest Lost Treasure Cache in America by W.C. Jameson (Globe Pequot/TwoDot: 2019) F802.S15 J36 2019

We are an Indian Nation: A History of the Hualapai People by Jeffrey P. Shephard (University of Arizona Press: 2010) E99.H75 S53 2010

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