Because this is National Archive Month, we are taking time to celebrate all of the organizations who are working to preserve the history of the Borderland. Hopefully locals and those from afar will be able to utilize the collections and services of the rather large list below. With each organization is a short blurb about their mission or services. We hope that you are encouraged to go explore their websites and even visit their locations if possible. Many of the locations themselves are the historic element on which an organization was built.
Border Heritage
Center
The special collections department of the El Paso Public
Library located at the Main Library Branch focused on the preservation and
dissemination of El Paso and Southwest history.
Border Patrol Museum
The Museum is the proud repository for memorabilia and
memories of more than 80 years of Border Patrol history.
Chamizal National
Memorial Park
Chamizal National Memorial is located near downtown El Paso,
right on the Mexican border across from Ciudad Juarez. It encompasses about 55
acres and includes walking and bike trails, picnic areas, restrooms, amphitheater,
parking lot, administrative offices, and a cultural center.
Doña Ana County
Genealogical Society
Our mission is to meet the genealogical needs of our members
and the general public through the acquisition, preservation, and dissemination
of genealogical and historical information.
Doña Ana County
Historical Society
Committed to encouraging and promoting a greater
appreciation and knowledge of the historical and cultural heritage of Southern New
Mexico since 1963.
El Paso County
Historical Society
Since 1954 the El Paso County Historical Society has been
the driving force of the historic scene of El Paso. EPCHS strives to foster
research into the history of the El Paso area; share that history with the
public; publish and encourage historical writing pertaining to the area; and
develop public consciousness of our rich heritage.
El Paso Holocaust
Museum and Study Center
Welcome to El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center
conveniently located in the museum district of downtown El Paso. We are proud
to be the only fully bilingual Holocaust museum, and one of only 13
free-standing Holocaust museums in the United States. The mission of El Paso
Holocaust Museum and Study Center is to teach the history of the Holocaust in
order to combat prejudice and intolerance through education, community
outreach, and cultural activities.
El Paso Museum of
Archaeology
The El Paso Museum of Archaeology presents 14,000 years of
prehistory in the El Paso area, the greater Southwest, and northern Mexico.
You’ll see dioramas and exhibits of American Indian lives and their material
culture, from the Paleoindian hunters of the Ice Age to their modern
descendants. The exhibits are periodically changed to reflect the scope of the
Museum's collections and the interests of the community. Special exhibits are
located in the auditorium and the North Gallery. The auditorium also houses
explore-able drawers of artifacts from across the US.
Walk nature trails on our 15 acres with more than 250
varieties of Chihuahuan Desert native plants, outdoor exhibits and an Indian
Garden.
El Paso Museum of
History
The El Paso Museum of History exists for the educational
benefit of the community and visitors. It promotes the understanding and
significance of the rich, multicultural and multinational history of the border
region known as, The Pass of the North. Through exhibits and programs, the
museum involves diverse audiences in exploring varieties of human experience
and encourages individuals to explore the past and reflect on their own place
in history.
1st
Armored Division and Fort Bliss Museum
The 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss Museum is located on
historic Fort Bliss, Texas. The museum
presents the history of Fort Bliss from 1849 to the present, as well as
displaying the history of America's tank division, the 1st Armored Division
(Old Ironsides.)
Los Portales Museum
and Information Center
Transport yourself into the past as you enter one of the
most historic buildings in the area. Los Portales features a museum filled with
exhibits celebrating the area’s rich and colorful historical legacies. Be
amazed of San Elizario’s 400 years of significant history that includes the
“First Thanksgiving”, the Spanish Presido, San Elizario Salt War of 1877 and El
Paso’s first county seat. Don’t forget
that this is also a visitor information center so any questions you may have
about the area can be answered.
Bathrooms are available.
Magoffin Home State
Historic Site
A striking adobe structure, Magoffin Home State Historic
Site explores the stories of a multicultural family who actively participated
in U.S. expansion and settlement, military service, trade on the Santa
Fe–Chihuahua Trail, Civil War turmoil and U.S.–Mexico relations. The 1875 home
is a prime example of Territorial style architecture.
Mission Valley
Visitor’s Information Center
If you’re looking for a one-stop information spot, look no
further than the Mission Valley Visitor Center. This historic building provides
free Wi-Fi, ATM’s, restrooms, Mission Trail information, and a SunMetro
transfer location. The Center’s staff is knowledgeable and friendly so don’t
hesitate to ask for directions or any questions pertaining to the Mission Trail
area. The Mission Valley Visitor Center
will provide you with everything you need to know for your Mission Trail visit.
Bathrooms are available.
New Mexico Farm &
Ranch Heritage Museum
The interactive museum, which has welcomed visitors from all
over the world, brings to life the 4,000-year history of farming and ranching
in New Mexico.
NMSU Library Archives
& Special Collections
NMSU Library Archives and Special Collections, located on
the fourth floor of the Branson Library, welcomes members of the campus and
local community, as well as independent researchers. Appointments are not
necessary; however, to provide better access and service, prior communication
with members of our staff is helpful. Please note, Archives and Special
Collections material does not circulate and is only available for use in the
Caroline E. Stras Research Room.
San Elizario
Geneaology and Historical Society
Our purpose is to promote and preserve the history and
culture of San Elizario and encourage interest in family research.
Veterans Memorial
Museum & Memorial Walk
Otherwise known as the Eduardo Pedregon Memorial Veterans
Museum, this establishment, managed by the San Elizario Veterans Committee,
pays homage to those who have served their country.
UTEP Centennial
Museum
The El Paso Centennial Museum was built to celebrate the
anniversary of Texas independence, making it the oldest museum in El Paso.
Permanent exhibits in the museum focus on the natural and cultural history of
the Chihuahuan Desert region, the largest desert in North America, and the ties
of friendship that exist between the University and Bhutan can be seen in its
surroundings.
The Centennial Museum and Gardens sponsor such events as
lectures/talks, collaborative exhibits with other museums on campus or in El
Paso and FloraFEST.
UTEP Special
Collections
The C. L. Sonnichsen Special Collections Department is
located on the sixth floor. The book collections include the Chicano
Collection, the Judaica Collection, the S. L. A. Marshall Military History
Collection, the Southwest and Border Studies Collection, as well as collections
of art and rare books. In addition to printed sources, the department has
manuscript and archival collections available. There is also an oral history
collection documenting the region.
War Eagles Air Museum
The War Eagles Air Museum is dedicated to collecting,
restoring and displaying historic aircraft of the World War II and the Korean
Conflict eras. This unique Museum pays special tribute to military aviation and
reminds us all of the significant role these airplanes, their pilots and
support crews played in securing our freedom.
To demonstrate the sights and sounds of these high-powered
machines, most of this magnificent collection is maintained in flying
condition. These aircraft provide public enjoyment while in actual flight. The
Museum features various educational programs, exhibits and special events that
help preserve our heritage and promote pride in our country.
YDSP Cultural Center
The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Cultural Center exists as a
facility for cultural enrichment, as well as a collective site for centuries of
tribal history. It aims to educate individuals about the culture and history of
the oldest federally recognized tribe in Texas by providing information and
interactive experiences that are unique to the area.
The Cultural Center exhibits the tribe’s heritage through
dance, programs and other activities such as pottery making, bead looming,
bread baking, storytelling, and gardening. The center also provides retail
space for tribal members to sell authentic Tigua attire and artifacts. The
museum displays objects such as artifacts, pottery, photographs, and video
representing over 300 years of Tigua History. The museum attracts a wide array
of visitors from across the United States and the international community.
If you know of any other history centers in the El Paso area, please leave them in the comments below.
