Sierra Homestead
At the Sierra Homestead we see New Mexico and its citizens transition from the 19th into the 20th century. This small mountain village represents a home with a growing family and aging parents. As New Mexico transitioned into the 20th century we see changing architectural styles, the tin roof for example, and an influx of manufactured goods as the railroad continued its dominance.
These stories are told through the Mora House which was built on site, Grandmother’s House dating from the late 1800s, and the Casita Primativa dating from the early 1800s; collectively these buildings represent one family compound built over the course of 100 years. The log structures in this compound were moved to the museum in the 1970s.
Here you will learn about life in the mountains, New Mexico’s transition into the 20th century, the effect of American goods and commerce on the region, and traditional lifeways and customs, including the specialized local occupations of curandera (healer) and santero (saint maker).
