November 2010

Not only does the Historical Society of New Mexico provide a refuge for all of those fascinated by history, it also promotes budding historians through scholarships and grants. The society hosts a conference once a year to promote the study of New Mexico's history, which includes honored speakers and writing contests. In addition, the conference combines with the Arizona Historical Society every few years in order to broaden the focus of historians to the entire region.

Founded in 1923 and operated by the University of New Mexico since 1936, the Harwood is the second oldest art museum in the state. The Permanent Collection encourages an appreciation for the centuries-old, millennium new tradition of the arts in Taos. Galleries devoted to the Taos Society of Artists include major works by Ernest Blumenschein and Victor Higgins.

The Hispanic Traditions Gallery features a remarkable collection of retablos (paintings on wood) donated by Mabel Dodge Luhan and displays the largest public collection of sculptures by Patrociño Barela.

In addition to the Taos Society of Artists, the gallery also features major American modernists such as John Marin and Marsden Hartley. More contemporary works by the Taos Moderns and later works by artists such as Larry Bell and Ken Price are displayed in the Galleries of Mid-20th Century Art and Late-20th Century Art. Not to be missed is the Agnes Martin Gallery - a unique installation of seven paintings by this internationally acclaimed contemporary artist.

Built in 1804 by Severino Martin (later changed to Martinez), this fortress-like building with massive adobe walls became an important trade center for the northern boundary of the Spanish Empire. The Hacienda was the final terminus for the Camino Real (the royal road) which connected northern New Mexico to Mexico City. The Hacienda also was the headquarters for an extensive ranching and farming operation.

Regularly scheduled demonstrations present the traditional arts and crafts of the region.

In the early 1900s, several attempts were made to begin an historical society in Wyandot County. Emil Schlup, Zach Smith, Mark Carr, Jay Marguerat and Cyrus Hare formed an organization called the Wyandot Historical Society, but it did not survive long and most of its collection was turned over the the Ohio Historical Society.

In 1926 the Automobile Club of Upper Sandusky held a pageant to raise funds for the support of another historical organization. A few people banded together with intent to form a group, but nothing came of this second attempt. Dr. Frank H. Lang receives credit as the founder of the present society. Originally from Cleveland, he located to Tiffin where his father became a judge. Dr. Lang organized the Seneca County Historical Society, which folded when he enlisted in World War I. He moved to Upper Sandusky, bringing with him the artifacts he had used to begin the Seneca County Historical Society.

El Rancho de las Golondrinas is a living history museum located on 200 acres in a rural farming valley just south of Santa Fe, New Mexico. The museum, dedicated to the heritage and culture of Spanish Colonial New Mexico, opened in 1972. Original colonial buildings on the site date from the early 18th century. In addition, historic buildings from other parts of northern New Mexico have been reconstructed at Las Golondrinas. Villagers clothed in the styles of the times show how life was lived in early New Mexico. Special festivals and theme weekends offer visitors an in-depth look into the celebrations, music, dance and many other aspects of life in the period when this part of the United States was ruled by Spain and Mexico.

Properties such as the Orange Johnson House, the Old Rectory, and other acquisitions, were made through donations from the community, and are being maintained by the society for the benefit of the community and all those who come to visit.

Throughout the last fifty years, the WHS has operated with the help of private contributions, membership dues and Society projects. Since 1994 the WHS has received grants for educational programs and activities from the City of Worthington.

The society has made every effort to maintain the New England atmosphere which has remained a symbol of "Old Worthington's" heritage. See this history of the Worthington Historical Society for additional information.

Paintings by the founders of the Taos Society of Artists: Joseph H. Sharp, Bert G. Phillips, Ernest L. Blumenschein, Oscar E. Berninghaus, E.I. Couse and W. Herbert Dunton are exhibited, together with the active and associate members. Works of art by Nicolai Fechin and the Taos Moderns are also featured.

The Fechin home and studio are filled with his hand carved doors, windows and furniture. Fechin was a master of painting, sculpture, woodcarving and architectural design. The home he designed and reconstructed is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Taos Art Museum is just two blocks north of the famous Taos Plaza, in front of the Fechin Inn.

In the early autumn of 1898, a fortuitous accident resulted in Taos becoming a great American art colony. Having recently returned from studies in Paris, young American artists Ernest L. Blumenschein and Bert G. Phillips were on a sketching trip from Denver to northern Mexico when the wheel of their surrey broke on the mountainous road just north of Taos. The ensuing delay gave them time to become captivated by the spectacular landscape and remarkable cultures of the Taos Valley. Phillips remained in Taos from that time forward. Blumenschein came back nearly every summer until 1919, when he, his wife, artist Mary Greene Blumenschein, and daughter Helen purchased the 1797 structure for their permanent home.

Blumenschein and Phillips were instrumental in establishing the famous Taos Society of Artists. The society was organized to promote the splendor of Taos and the art of the American West to ever greater audiences.

The Millicent Rogers Museum's setting, with views of the many-hued Sangre de Cristo mountains, and its adobe architecture— combining an historic Taos house with additions designed by renowned architect Nathaniel Owings— add to the pleasure of visiting this Taos, New Mexico, museum.

The Wood County Museum (formerly the Wood County Poor Farm) has
rotating exhibits and events about Ohio Poor Farms and the culture of Wood
County, Ohio.