Park Events – Page 7 – Friends of the Pecos National Historical Park

A Holiday Tradition: Las Posadas at Pecos National Historical Park

Pecos National Historical Park, the Friends of Pecos National Historical Park and Western National Parks Association will host Las Posadas festivities on Monday, December 18th. The free event will begin at 5:00 p.m. with horse-drawn wagon rides. The procession will begin at the remnants of the 18th century church and convento at 6:00 p.m. and wind down the trail to the visitor center with the group singing traditional hymns and holiday songs in both English and Spanish. More than 3,500 farolitos will illuminate the trail. Free hot beverages and biscochitos will be served at the Visitor Center following the procession. There will also be a festive piñata breaking for the children.

In Spanish, las posadas means “inns” or “shelters,” and represents the journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem and their search for shelter. St. Anthony’s Parish in Pecos carries on this northern New Mexico tradition every December. Pecos National Historical Park will be just one stop during this novena, or nine-day event.

Superintendent Karl Cordova says that, “Keeping traditions alive for current and future generations is an important job of the National Park Service, and a fun one, too.”

Visitors should assemble at the church no later than 6:00 p.m. on Monday the 18th. For those who are interested, two horse-drawn wagons will be available to convey visitors from the visitor center to the procession site between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Appropriate winter clothing and flashlights are highly recommended.

For more information, contact Pecos NHP at (505) 757-7241 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/peco. You will also find our listings on the New Mexico True website (newmexico.org) and Tourism Santa Fe (santafe.org). Please like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PecosNHPnps or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pecos_nps.

Becky Latanich
Chief of Interpretation and Education
Pecos National Historical Park

Pecos NHP Honors Veterans Day and Those Who Fought in the Battle of Glorieta Pass

Civil War Trail, Park Events

Did you know that the Union and Confederate armies fought a Civil War battle on what is now the grounds of Pecos National Historical Park? The 1862 Battle of Glorieta Pass helped to decide much of the fate of the American West in the Civil War. Confederates sought to control large portions of the American West and its gold fields so as to fund the Southern war effort. Union forces successfully defended the territory and its denizens from the Texan army. Over the course of the three-day battle, Americans on both sides fought and died for the nation’s future as the Confederate war effort in New Mexico failed.

Historians debate the true number of dead and wounded from the Battle of Glorieta Pass; contradictory numbers, the number of wounded who later died, desertion, and poor record-keeping all contribute to questions of exactly how many soldiers died from the battle. Therefore, the physical cost of the battles of New Mexico remains shrouded by the mysteries of the past.

This Veterans Day, November 11th, Pecos National Historical Park will memorialize those who lost their lives in the Battle of Glorieta Pass with small flags. The 175 flags will be placed near the historic Pigeon’s Ranch building in the Glorieta Unit of Pecos National Historical Park along State Highway 50 outside of Pecos. Each flag represents one of the 175 soldiers who died either at the battle or later from their wounds. As you drive by the area, please remember those who have given their lives in service to their country.

For more information, contact Pecos NHP at (505) 757-7241 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/peco. You will also find our listings on the New Mexico True website (newmexico.org) and Tourism Santa Fe (santafe.org). Please like on us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PecosNHPnps or follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pecos_nps).

Park Prescriptions Program Offers Much more than a $50 Prize

Park Events

Park Prescriptions Program participant Danny Winston finally hit the jackpot! He is the second recipient of the Park Prescriptions Program’s quarterly prize drawing. Winston, who won a $50 Target gift card was surprised and grateful to win just for walking the park’s trails—something he has been doing for almost 11 straight years. Like many of the other participants in the program, he finds a plethora of benefits from recreating in the park. Winston said, “I love it, it’s therapy. And the dogs love it. They love coming to the park every day.” Pecos National Historical Park Superintendent Karl Cordova echoes his sentiments; “The National Park Service strives to ensure that parks remain relevant to local communities in preserving their heritage, educating their youth and providing opportunities for physical and mental wellness.”

The Park Prescriptions Program was formed this spring as part of a partnership between Pecos National Historical Park and the Pecos Valley Medical Center (PVMC) to encourage wellness in the community of Pecos and the surrounding area. The Pecos Park Prescriptions program promotes health and wellness by encouraging and rewarding community members for recreating for free within their national park.

The next quarterly drawing for the Park Prescriptions Program will take place in early January 2018. Participants must receive 10 punches during the quarter in order to be eligible for the next drawing. For more information please contact Becky Latanich (Pecos NHP) at (505) 757-7210 or Toni Rodriguez (Pecos Valley Medical Center) at 505-757-7132

Find the Pecos Valley Medical Center at www.pecoshealth.org

Raptor Encounters at the Vista Grande Public Library – November 18th

Park Events

The New Mexico Wildlife Center will bring live raptors to the Vista Grande Public Library on Saturday, November 18th from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. With the help of these bird ambassadors, we will discover the special characteristics that make these flying predators so unique. Space is limited to 40 attendees and reservations are required. Please call 505-757-7241 for more information and to reserve a space.

This free family-friendly program is hosted by Pecos National Historical Park, Western National Parks Association and the Vista Grande Public Library.

The Vista Grande Public Library is located at: 14 Avenida Torreon, Santa Fe, NM 87508. (Google Map)

Night Sky Photography – Beyond the Basics – October 21, 2017

Park Events

Pecos Mission - Las Posadas - Stan Ford This workshop is intended for the intermediate to advanced photographer. There will be no classroom session or formal presentation. This is a rare opportunity to photograph part of the Forked Lightning Ranch at night. Participants should be familiar with operating their camera in Manual mode (in the dark). There should be enough time for those who wish to shoot star trails or time-lapse sequences. Stan Ford and Richard Gonzales will be available to provide assistance. The workshop will be from 7:00-11:00pm. This is a free program hosted by the Friends of Pecos National Historical Park and space is limited. Contact Stan Ford at info@fotosbyford.com more information or to be notified of future photography workshops at Pecos NHP.

Stan Ford – Stan is an award-winning photographer based in Corrales. He took his first photograph the day his father introduced him to President Kennedy. School and work filled his life until he retried from a government career and decided to pursue his life-long passion of photography. He specializes in nature photography (landscapes and wildlife), which is aided by his degrees in biology and natural resources. In 2016, he was selected to be the “first-ever” Artist-in-Residence for Pecos National Historical Park. His work can be seen at the Albuquerque Photographer’s Gallery and at www. fotosbyford.com

Night Sky Viewing at Pecos NHP

Park Events

Join us for an evening under the wonderful western sky. Pecos National Historical Park will offer a free ranger-guided night sky program on Saturday, October 14^th at 7:00 p.m. We will use the telescopes to gaze at the starts and check out Saturn, Jupiter, and the moon. Visitors are invited to bring their own telescopes or use the park’s telescopes to explore the park’s night skies. This event is weather-dependent and red-bulb flashlights and appropriate clothing are strongly recommended.

The events will take place around the park’s headquarters building. Visitors are asked to turn into the park entrance and follow the sign for park headquarters; the visitor center will not be open. The gate will open at 6:30 p.m.; the gate will shut at 7:15 p.m. Please note that after 7:15 no further entry will be permitted; the event is expected to end by 9:00 p.m. Reservations are required for this program; please call 505-757-7241.

Contemporary Visions of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Park Events

Pecos National Historical Park will honor National Hispanic Heritage Month with a lecture about Our Lady of Guadalupe by Ms. Diana Molina on Saturday, October 7th. Also known as the Virgin of Guadalupe, the venerated image of Mary is enshrined within the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. This image of the Blessed Mother has appeared across many cultures in many forms, ranging from low-riders and advertisements to politics and religion. Ms. Molina will illustrate the colorful multinational history of this icon and present its use across the region. Her photography will add color to this vibrant topic and give more detail to its transnational themes. The presentation will take place in the Kiva Theater at the Visitor Center at 1:00 p.m. on October 7^th.

Ms. Molina worked as a software engineer before becoming a professional photographer and writer. Her photographic and written works focus on sociological portrayals and have appeared in regional, national, and international publications and museums, including the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Art Museum of the Americas in Washington, D.C.

The park extends a special thanks to the New Mexico Humanities Council and the Department of Cultural Affairs for assisting with Ms. Molina’s presentation.

This program is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Pecos NHP at (505) 757-7241.

Greer Garson’s Mrs. Miniver on the Outdoor Big Screen at Pecos National Historical Park

Park Events

Pecos, NM:– Pecos National Historical Park invites you to an evening under the stars for a one-time showing of Mrs. Miniverfeaturing Oscar-award winning actress Greer Garson. Join us on Ms. Garson’s birthday, September 29^th at 7:00 p.m. to celebrate the 75^th anniversary of the release of this critically-acclaimed film.

Mrs. Miniver (1942) is an American romantic war drama film that depicts the life of an unassuming British housewife in rural England who is touched by World War II. The film won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress. In 2006, the American Film Institute ranked it as one of the most inspiring American films of all time.

The Pecos National Historical Park that we know today exists in large part due to the generosity and support of Greer Garson Fogelson and her husband Col. E.E. “Buddy” Fogelson. The Fogelsons owned and operated the Forked Lightning Ranch for 50 years. In 1991, Garson sold her ranch parcel to The Conservation Fund, which donated it to the National Park Service. She and her husband were honored with the Conservation Service Award, the Department of the Interior’s highest civilian award.

Admission to the movie is free, but due to limited space, reservations are required. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the film will be shown in the field adjacent to the park’s headquarters building. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own blankets, chairs, snacks, and refreshments. Please bring a flashlight and dress appropriately for a fall evening in northern New Mexico. For more information and to make reservations, contact Pecos NHP at (505) 757-7241.

The park extends a special thanks to Western National Parks Association for assisting with the showing of Mrs. Miniver.