Platicas

The Chiricahua Apache were once the most feared presence in the Southwestern United States, a noble people at odds with the expansion of pioneer America. Today, they are in the process of being assimilated into our growing technological society. What does the future hold for these once-proud warriors and what are they doing to keep their culture and language alive?

Few know that the border city of El Paso, Texas is the home to one of the most famous private investigators in the world, with a roster of international clientele and a colorful case file that has inspired books, movies and comic books - the inimitable Jay J. Armes. Meet the man himself who, despite now being in his early 80s, continues to rack up accolades the world over.

On March 9, 2016, Columbus, New Mexico celebrated the one hundredth anniversary of the bloody invasion by the infamous Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa. That action would set off a series of events that would bring attention to the area in ways nobody could have anticipated and bring together a centuries worth of scholars, history buffs and family members to memorialize the event.

Held annually since 1989, The Bataan Memorial Death March is one of the most grueling marathons ever conceived by man, conducted in honor of the heroic service members who defended the Philippine Islands during World War II. Meet some of the survivors of that infamous march and go behind-the-scenes with the people who bring the ceremonial tribute to life every year.

For over 45 years the Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market has been providing fresh produce, one-of-a-kind craft items and a vital social hub to the residents of the Mesilla Valley. Meet some of the vendors of this nationally recognized trade fair, who bring together the flavors and old world charms of the Great Southwest in one convenient location.

Founded by the Mexican government in 1843, Dona Ana Village is widely accepted as the oldest continuous Hispano settlement in the southwestern United States. Meet former state senator Mary Jane Garcia, whose restoration efforts on behalf of her beloved home has brought about a renaissance of sorts that places Dona Ana Village on the national register for historic communities

For over five decades Barbara Hubbard has been the first lady of New Mexico State University, with countless national awards to her credit and continued work as the executive director of the American Collegiate Talent Showcase, a position she has held since 1978. Hear her story as only she can tell it and discover why she is considered a living legend in the Southwest and beyond.

For nearly ten years, a broad-based coalition known as the friends of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument led the charge for conservation and preservation of this vast wilderness area. On May 21, 2016, President Barack Obama signed a proclamation officially establishing the area as a national monument. This is their story,

Located in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, just seven miles from the Mexican border, the War Eagles Air Museum houses one of the largest collections of historical aircraft and automobiles in the Southwest. Go behind-the-scenes and meet the people behind this one-of-a-kind museum, which holds one of the finest collections of its kind in the world.

Established in 1976 as the International Space Hall of Fame, the New Mexico Museum of Space History celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2016 and continues stressing the significant role the state of New Mexico has played in the development of the U.S. Space Program. Go behind-the-scenes to find out how this out-of-this-world institution continues to spark imaginations worldwide.

For centuries the legend of La Llorona - the ghostly spectre who haunts waterways from Mexico to Colorado - has figured prominently in Southwestern lore, becoming over time a cautionary tale for children who misbehave. Explore the folk tale as it is remembered by those who grew up hearing it, as well as artists and musicians who keep the legend alive through their talents.

As long as there have been cars in the Mesilla Valley, there have been car races. In 1968 a dirt oval was constructed and Mesilla Valley Speedway was born. Every weekend during the season, local speed demons flocked to the speedway to battle for the win and hundreds of spectators would watch in hopes their favorite drivers would finish first.