VENTURING OUT
New Mexico opens seven historic sites around the state
It’s been nearly a year since the pandemic hit New Mexico — and it’s time to get outside. The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs opened seven historic sites to the public Feb. 13.
According to the DCA, historic sites that reopened are Coronado, Fort Selden, Fort Stanton, Fort Sumner/Bosque Redondo Memorial, Jemez, Lincoln and Los Luceros.
The Taylor-Mesilla Historic Property will remain closed.
“These sites will begin operating under a modified schedule and with a limited visitor capacity of 75 people or 25%, whichever is smaller,” according to the DCA.
According to DCA spokesman Daniel Zillmann, state museums and historic sites were given the go-ahead to open under Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s latest order,.
“We opened for about a month period in late September, before closing again (Oct. 23),” Zillmann said. “We’ve used the time to ensure that all the personal protective equipment for employees is there as well as signage for the public. We wanted to open as quickly and as safely as possible, which is why the openings are staggered.”
The DCA is also extending by 12 months the expiration date of its New Mexico CulturePass, which allows one visit to each state museum and historic site, for all passes activated between Jan. 1, 2020, and March 1, 2021.
Access to some areas will be limited or remain closed in compliance with public health directives.
Public programs, special events, and volunteer/docent activities will continue in virtual formats only.
Visitors should observe social distancing and will be required to wear masks.
The following is the schedule for the historic sites:
Coronado Historic Site, ■ nmhistoricsites.org/coronado, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. ThursdaySunday; closed MondayWednesday.
Fort Selden Historic ■ Site, nmhistoricsites.org/ fort-selden, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; closed Sunday-Tuesday.
■ Fort Stanton Historic Site, fortstanton.org, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Monday; closed Tuesday-Wednesday.
■ Fort Sumner Historic Site/ Bosque Redondo Memorial, nmhistoricsites.org/bosqueredondo, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday; closed Monday-Wednesday;
■ Jemez Historic Site, nmhistoricsites.org/jemez, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday; closed Monday-Wednesday.
■ Lincoln Historic Site, nmhistoricsites.org/lincoln, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Monday; closed Tuesday-Wednesday
■ Los Luceros Historic Site, nmhistoricsites.org/ los-luceros, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday; closed Monday-Wednesday.