Platicas

The Mesilla Valley as seen through the eyes of late historian Clarence Fielder, who was born and raised in Las Cruces, graduated from New Mexico State University, served in the Korean War (where he received the Purple Heart and Silver Star) and taught history for over 30 years.

The Mesilla Valley as seen through the eyes of late historian Clarence Fielder, who was born and raised in Las Cruces, graduated from New Mexico State University, served in the Korean War (where he received the Purple Heart and Silver Star) and taught history for over 30 years.

The life of Daniel Milton Reade, as told by his great grandson, historian Dean C. Reade. The elder Reade came to Las Cruces with the California Column in 1862, where he became a rancher, businessman and, when the times required it, a lawman. After Billy The Kid was convicted in Mesilla, Mr. Reade was a member of the posse that escorted the outlaw to Lincoln County to be hanged

Dean C. Reade is joined by David Wood and George Olinger, descendants of the now famous posse that transported Billy the Kid from Mesilla to Lincoln to be hanged. Follow the harrowing trip to deliver the Kid to Lincoln to be hanged.

Memories of Las Cruces and a view of the many changes it has undergone over the last five decades are seen through the eyes of former Head of Mathematical Sciences at New Mexico State University, World War II Navy veteran and published author, Robert "Bob" Wisner.

Spend some time with nine siblings born and raised in Las Cruces between 1930 and 1950, the children of Angel and Carmen Torres, residents of Las Cruces historic Mesquite District. What were some of the changes southern New Mexico went through during a very turbulent time? Find out from the people who lived it.

Life-long residents David and Charles Lucero talk about what it was like growing up in Las Cruces as homeowners and entrepreneurs in a time before urban renewal changed the face of downtown. Navigate the changes through the eyes of those who experienced them, first hand, and get a better understanding of what downtown restoration is all about.

Beloved fixtures in downtown Las Cruces, Johnny and Isabel have been playing music in and around the downtown area for over 40 years, during which time they have seen a lot of changes, some good, some not so good. Get a first hand look at the Las Cruces that was and how it evolved into the city we know today.

Bill Greenberg, a WWII bombardier navigator who received special training at Deming Air Base in 1944, Greenberg flew training missions over six bombing targets in the Sierra de Las Uvas Mountains, north and west of Las Cruces. His memories of that turbulent time shed light on the Mesilla Valley's place in the fabric of world history.

Go back in time to the founding of Las Cruces through a lecture by Daniel Villa, published author and professor in the Department of Language and Linguistics at NMSU. From the Dona Ana Bend Colony Land Grant in 1840 to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1948, the establishment of property ownership in southern New Mexico came about in ways that no other American state can claim.

Originally established in 1926, the Rio Grande Theatre has undergone many changes over the ensuing decades, none more notable than the restoration of the historic landmark by the Doña Ana Arts council between 1998 and 2005. Catch up with the people who brought the dream back to life in this special episode dedicated to the 10th Anniversary of the Rio Grande Theatre's renovation.

Few have had the impact of community leader, educator, legislator and benefactor J. Paul Taylor, who was born and raised in Las Cruces, but whose influence has been felt throughout the state of New Mexico. Filmed just days after celebrating his 93rd birthday, this episode documents over a century of life in the Mesilla Valley, through the eyes of a native son.

Celebrating the new year New Mexico style, we drop a giant lighted chile in downtown Las Cruces over main street with thousands watching. This festival turns into a street party where all are welcomed, What's the big question on everyone's mind, will it be red or green?