Winter Lecture Series
El Rancho de Las Golondrinas has been putting on the Speaking of Traditions lecture series for over 20 years.
In this series, you will have the chance to learn more about New Mexico History and historical subjects that you may have been previously unaware of. This three lecture series is always on the last Tuesday of January, February, and March in our partner’s lecture hall, the New Mexico Museum of Art’s St. Francis Auditorium.
TICKETS GO ON SALE JANUARY 10!
If you missed any of our lectures they are available on our YouTube channel
January Lecture
Dr. Timothy E. Nelson
The Afro-Frontier: Blackdom, Borderlands, and African Diaspora in the Digital Age
January 28 | 5:30pm
Doors Open at 5pm
Dr. Nelson has provided an in-depth study about the all-Black town of Blackdom, New Mexico. Instead of a story of a failed township of Black people fleeing racial violence and second-class citizenship, he found Blackdomites left the South and Midwest in search of opportunity and sovereignty. Join us and learn about the people who followed their economic and social ambitions, and founded the autonomous Black community of Blackdom.
How to purchase Dr. Nelson’s book, Blackdom, New Mexico: The Significance of the Afro-Frontier:
-
-
- Autographed Copy
- TTU Press
- Local Bookstores, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, GoodReads, etc.
- Available at Santa Fe Public Library, State Library and SAR Library
- His audiobook will be released by early to mid-January on most platforms.
-
About Dr. Timothy E. Nelson
Historian, Professor Timothy E. Nelson, Ph.D. attended New Mexico State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in U.S. History, played football, and was a proud charter member of Phi Beta Sigma. He earned a master’s degree in Black History at the University of Northern Iowa, and then earned a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at El Paso.
Dr. Nelson addresses and unpacks foundational issues in African American History, US West History, Borderlands History, and the African Diaspora. His work is the most in-depth research on Blackdom to date. He focuses on the economic and social ambitions of AfroFrontierists (Black pioneers). Dr. Nelson continues his research and works closely with Blackdom land owning descendants. His first academic book was published July 2023 by Texas Tech University Press.
More Information:
- Visit afrofrontier.com for FAQs, merchandise, donations, articles, etc.
- El Palacio Article: Blackdom in the Borderlands Significance of the Afro-Frontier (1903-1929)
- New Books in History Podcast Recent Interview with Dr. Nelson
February Lecture
La Familia Vigil
A Musical Presentation of the Ritual and Tradition of New Mexican Folk Music
February 25 | 5:30pm
Doors Open at 5pm
Dr. Cipriano Vigil developed a passion for music at a young age. Growing up in Chamisal, New Mexico, he is a self-taught, highly accomplished, and award-winning musician specializing in the traditional folk songs of northern New Mexico. He has dedicated his life and career to preserving and disseminating the music of his ancestors. Join us for a unique presentation combining musical performances, musical scholarship, and history featuring Dr. Vigil and his family.
About Dr. Cipriano Vigil & Family
Cipriano Vigil fell in love with music at a very early age. Born and raised in Chamisal, New Mexico, he spent his youth among musicians. He learned traditional folk songs through observation, memorizing finger placements, taking notes, and practicing on his guitar, alone or with friends.
Self-taught and unable to read or write music, despite being an accomplished musician, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and two Master’s degrees in Bilingual Education and Ethnomusicology. Throughout his education, he continued to observe musicians throughout New Mexico and Mexico, learning their techniques and gaining knowledge of various folk music styles.
He started his formal music career at Northern New Mexico College in 1980 and retired in 2004. During that time he completed his PhD in Ethnomusicology. He was the Chairperson of the Fine Arts Department at NNMC for ten years and continued to teach part-time after retirement.
Dr. Vigil has shared his passion, knowledge, and talent for preserving and disseminating the folk music of New Mexico at the Smithsonian Institute, in classrooms around New Mexico, and has performed throughout the U.S. and Mexico.
He’s a recording artist, has self-published music books, and compiled a collection of his own compositions. Dr. Vigil has written compositions for theatrical performances and films and has recently composed and recorded several Poemas Musicales (musical poems).
Dr. Vigil has been honored as a Living Treasure and was a recipient of the Governor’s Award and the New Mexico Endowment for the Humanities Award. He’s a three-time nominee for the National Heritage Award for outstanding work in maintaining and preserving traditional folk music.
He passed on his knowledge to his children and grandchildren. They perform as a family and continue to educate, entertain, and inspire audiences while preserving the musical traditions of New Mexico.
March Lecture
Zac Carlson
The Journey to 1,000 Species at Leonora Curtin Wetland Preserve
March 25 | 5:30pm
Doors Open at 5pm
Learn about the biodiversity of wetlands and how a group of Citizen Scientists work to help preserve this unique and beautiful ecosystem. Follow the work of these volunteers, including Leonora Curtin herself, and discover the process of tracking flora and fauna species, an invaluable contribution to understanding this unique ecosystem.
About Zac Carlson
Zac Carlson has dedicated over 25 years to the field of education and currently teaches Hydroponics and Aquaponics at Santa Fe Community College. A Santa Fe native, Zac has spent the past six years volunteering and working at the Leonora Curtin Wetland Preserve, focusing on documenting and tracking its diverse species. His efforts build on the legacy of Leonora Curtin and countless volunteers, whose dedication has been invaluable in understanding the diverse flora and fauna of this unique landscape.
