| Home of
the Rio Grande County Museum and
Cultural Center |
The Museum features a
community room where seminars, workshops, and lectures take place,
as well as a small historical library and a large exhibits display
area. Two Spanish-style courtyards, used for special outdoor
events and displays, invite visitors to linger for lunch or a rest. |
The Rio Grande County Museum was first opened in 1959
in a room in the county courthouse. Over the years, the collection
outgrew the available space and in 1985, the family of newspaper publisher
Dean Hammond donated the land for a new museum home.
The museum offers visitors a
glimpse into the cultural and natural history of the area from the Indians
and Hispanic settlers, the mountain men fur trappers and traders, to the
later settlers who came in search of land, freedom, gold, and
silver.
Of special interest in the Del Norte area is the Old Spanish Trail
. Between 1830 and 1848 the
Trail was a major trade route running between Santa Fe, New Mexico
and Los Angeles, California. Traces of the original trail can still be seen
in the area.
This museum offers stimulating learning
opportunities for visitors of all ages. You can view a comprehensive
exhibit of Indian rock art here. Lecture series are offered, in
addition to special programs for school children. Visitors also have
the chance to browse through our gift store and view exhibits of
contemporary
regional artisans.
Contact
Us
Click on
any image for a larger view and more information
 |
HORNO
Traditional Indian
Outdoor Oven
Located In
The
Museum Courtyard |
SPECIAL
TEMPORARY
EXHIBITS
Jack Hamilton's Western Art
Featured in
August, 2000 |
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FRÉMONT'S
FOURTH
EXPEDITION
Into The
San Luis Valley
1848 |
INDIAN ROCK
ART
Prehistoric and Historic
Images From The
San Luis
Valley
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ROCK ART
FIGURES
Samples of the Work
of Ancient Indians
in the Southwest |
1900s KITCHEN
Household
Tools and Wares
From the Previous Century |
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1900s LIVING
ROOM
Furnishings From
The Previous Century |
LA LOMA DE SAN JOSÉ
An
1859 Hispanic Settlement
In Rio Grande County
Read a Detailed History
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