FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 07, 2023
Radium Springs, NM – On July 1, Fort Selden Historic Site (FSHS) will celebrate its 50th anniversary being a part of the New Mexico Historic Sites system with food, live music, remarks, and cake. The Doña Ana County Historical Society will join the festivities too, celebrating its 60th year as an organization. The Doña Ana County Historical Society played an important role in Fort Selden becoming a historic site.
“Five decades is a long time to keep watch over a cultural landmark,” said Patrick Moore, executive director of New Mexico Historic Sites. “We can find ourselves in these objects, in these walls. The staff and caretakers at the fort have done a fantastic job telling the many stories of this remarkable location. Here’s to another fifty years!”
“This is a time to stop and appreciate the place that we call Fort Selden,” said Rhonda Dass, manager of the southern NMHS region. “As we honor all of those who made it possible for us to take on the care of this historic place, I am so in awe of what has been entrusted to me, and the state of New Mexico, to preserve for future generations.”
The 50th anniversary is also an opportunity for reflection on New Mexico Historic Sites (NMHS) and its mission to preserve the state’s diverse history. As a division within New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs (NMDCA), NMHS is on the frontlines of ensuring the state’s cultural resources remain protected, maintained, and accessible to the public. On its 50th anniversary, FSHS is not only celebrating the past, but also looking to the future.
Schedule of Events
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: Reception with live music, food, and beverages
7:00 p.m.: Patrick Moore (Executive Director of NMHS) remarks on the history of NMDCA and NMHS
7:20 p.m.: Jerry Wallace remarks on the history of Dona Ana County Historical Society
7:45 p.m.: Rhonda Dass (Regional Manager of FSHS) and Alexandra McKinney (Instructional Coordinator) lead a tour on the history of FSHS
8:30 p.m.: Cake cutting
