Museum to celebrate 50th anniversary

The Tucumcari Historical Museum on Saturday will host the first of four special events to mark its 50th anniversary.

Saturday’s event, called “The Early Days,” will delve into Quay County’s earliest history, including fossils, petroglyphs, Native Americans and Spanish colonials. Gates open at 9 a.m. The museum closes at 3 p.m.

The event opens with a flag ceremony at 9:30 a.m. with Mesalands Community College student Jessica Paddock singing the national anthem in her native Navajo language.

Among those giving demonstrations will be silversmiths Gene and Judy Ross, who will talk about the craft’s traditions.

Danny Young, a collector of Native American arrowheads, will pass along knowledge about his hobby and the types of arrowheads found in the region.

Reyes Gonzales and Alan Daugherty will give demonstrations on archery and atlatl, a spear-throwing device.

Rudy Pacheco will perform early Spanish and old-time music.

A campfire lunch of cornbread and beans also will be served. Rock painting also will be offered for children.

Here are the other special-events days for the Tucumcari Historical Museum:

• June 1, "Western Days," which falls on the date of the museum's 50th anniversary of its grand opening, will include chuck wagon meals, western re-enactors, old-time music and children's activities.

• July 20, "Neon and Travelers Day." Much of the focus will be on Tucumcari's Route 66 businesses past and present, including the Blue Swallow Motel and Motel Safari that are marking their 80th and 60th year in business, respectively. That event also will feature drawings for tourists, children's games, food and music.

• Aug. 10, "Honoring Military History." The event will honor veterans and military history from the time of New Mexico's statehood, including Fort Bascom, World War II gliders, Conchas Dam and the Bataan Death March that affected hundreds of soldiers from the state.

The museum at 416 S. Adams St. is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.