Luminaria: New Mexico Genealogy and History

A younger prima and I chat about the journey to reclaim a connection to our ancestors, including with food and language. Names mentioned: Garcia, LuceroPlaces mentioned: Chaperito, Anton Chico, Rocky Ford, Maxwell, SapelloThe porridge she mentioned was called chaquegue/chaquehue, and it’s prepared a little differently than atole, but both use the blue corn meal.The article she discusses: "The Loss of a Language That I Never Had: A Story About Linguicide" Another article by Jose Cisneros on "Understanding Oppression and Valuing Diversity"The book she mentions: Up from Anton Chico: A Memoir of a New Mexico Hispanic Family as Told by One of its Members, José ("Joe") Sánchez, in Collaboration with His Wife, ElizabethShe mentioned the New Mexico Cooking page on Facebook for recipes and tips.Podcast "Stuff You Should Know" episode called The Fencing of the CommonsYou can email Kat at [email protected].

In this episode, we go down to the South Valley with Blackie Gonzales, an octogenarian with deep roots there. Places mentioned: Downtown Albuquerque, South Valley, CarnuelThe song he dedicates to his wife is "Un Rinconcito en el Cielo" by Ramon Ayala y Sus Bravos del Norte.You can reach out to [email protected].

A primo and I chat about his family's migration from Costilla to the San Luis Valley to the Upper Huerfano, the founding of the Plaza de los Manzanares, and general Southern Colorado history. Places mentioned: Walsenburg, Trinidad, Cuchara, Garcia, Costilla, Abiquiu, Las Animas, Redwing, Chama, Plaza do los Manzanares, Crestones, MalachiteNames mentioned: Manzanares, Deus, Sharp, Bustos, GallegosAn interesting article from History Colorado on which is the oldest settlement in Colorado.If this is the right resource, back issues of Colorado Magazine are available digitally here.Books mentioned:The People of El Valle, Lopez TusharLos Primeros Pobladores, Leon Swadesh QuintanaFirst Settlers: Las Cuatro Plazas de la Culebra, Maria C. MartinezEmail me at [email protected].

Serafina was born in 1927 in Barney, NM. I mistakenly thought Barney was a settlement along the Dry Cimarron River, but it's actual 24 miles SW of Clayton. By 1940, the family had moved to Clayton, perhaps for Dust Bowl reasons. Serafina is a sharp nonagenarian who loves to read, and has lived in Clayton most of her life.Names mentioned: Mares, SanchezPlaces mentioned: Barney, Clayton, Raton

What a conversation! We cover so much ground with Dr. Maria Dolores Gonzales - her time at the Northern New Mexico Normal School in El Rito, the journey she went on to write her memoir and encourage other Hispanos to do the same, and her advocacy to preserve and celebrate our language. We also go through some words that are specific to our Northern New Mexican/Southern Colorado language, and where they come from. Places mentioned: Cerro, El Rito, Roy, Rosebud, Agua Fria, Bueyeros Some resources mentioned:Dr. Gonzales' Bilingual Strategies Language InstituteChildren of the Normal School: 60 Years in El Rito, 1909-1969"The Writings of Sabine Ulibarri""Mapa del Corazon" video on YouTubeNeddy Vigil video with the language atlasA Dictionary of New Mexico and Southern Colorado SpanishThe Spanish Language of New Mexico and Southern Colorado: A Linguistic AtlasYou can reach Kat at [email protected].

We visit El Pueblo de Abiquiu Library & Cultural Center to learn more about what makes this place unique and its diverse and vibrant culture. Places mentioned: Abiquiu, El Rito, Ojo Caliente, AlcaldeCheck out the Library and consider a donation here.Watch the recent documentary The Genizaro Experience and see some of the dancing mentioned here.Email Kat at [email protected].

The delightful Allen Sanchez, petitioner of the cause for the beatification and canonization of Sister Blandina Segale, shares about the myriad ways she contributed to New Mexico (and Southern Colorado). Servant of God Sr. Blandina founded public schools and hospitals for our people, and writes about them with warmth, compassion, and humor in At the End of the Santa Fe Trail. Find prayer cards, the novena, and other materials at the Sisters of Charity website.You can order the book At the End of the Santa Fe Trail, as well as the movie adaptation, here.Watch the Wild West Chronicles: Sister Blandina and the Killer   on YouTubeSearchlight NM article on Sr BlandinaSmithsonian article on Sr Blandina, written by the great-great-granddaughter of Abraham and Julia StaabSanta Maria Institute archives can be found here.American Ghost, novel written by the great-great-granddaughter of Abraham and Julia StaabLearn more about the free home visitation program for first-time parents at St Joseph's Children here.You can reach Kat at [email protected].

Beleaguered genealogists will understand the thrill of finding an ancestor who has been hiding in the records for years. One of our primos braved the wilderness of the films to locate a record that had been missing from the transcribed books. I interview him to inspire all of us with adobe brick walls to keep trying.Names mentioned: Pacheco, Martinez, Martin, Madrid, SenaPlaces mentioned: Santa Fe, Mora, Union CountyYou can reach Kat at [email protected].

Kat finally ventures into the Rio Abajo with Jose Jaramillo.Names mentioned: Garcia, Rivera, Ribera, Jaramillo, Madrid, AbeytaPlaces mentioned: Encino, Vaughn, Socorro, Palma, Villanueva, RiberaYou can reach Kat at [email protected].

Ron and Sylvia are doing a great job highlighting and documenting our ancestors through the Founding Families of Huerfano project. They discuss all things Huerfano, and even help Kat finally figure out where "Piedras Amarillas" was! Places mentioned: Huerfano, Cuchara, Badito, Pueblo, San Luis Valley, Yellowstone (duh) Rocky Mountain PBS did a story on the project here. The Facebook group for descendants is called Early Hispano Families Of Huerfano County Colorado. You can email us at [email protected].

Dr. Erlinda Gonzales-Berry shares how she brought her childhood in eastern New Mexico to life, her journey in the early days of Chicano studies, and how she likes to prepare quelites. Her delightful book, Rosebud: Population 7, is full of rich stories and elements of our culture that jump off the page. Names mentioned: Gonzales, Vigil Places mentioned: Roy, Bueyeros, Rosebud, Mosquero, Clayton, Mills Canyon, Mexico Her sister, Maria Dolores Gonzales, wrote her own book about their childhood in Rosebud, Atop the Windmill: I Could See Forever. If you want to explore this part of eastern NM, I highly recommend a stay at the Rectory. It's an incredible experience! Email us at [email protected].

This topic was one of my first ideas when dreaming up this podcast - the Spanish language specific to Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado. What makes it unique? More importantly, why don't I and so many of my generation speak it? We delve into these questions and more with author-librarian Charlene Garcia Simms and April Bojorquez, Interim Director of The Aztlán Research Center in Pueblo. This is the video referenced with Neddy Vigil. Mis Crismes 1956: Christmas in La Puente, New Mexico by Gloria Mora was recommended, but I had a hard time finding a source for it online. Get a copy of A Dictionary of New Mexico and Southern Colorado Spanish here. Read more about this topic in this article from 2023. Know of a New Mexican Spanish class online or in-person? Email us at [email protected].

This was an unexpected treat! Not only does Weston share about his family's longtime Santa Fe presence, but he also shared details about Native Bound Unbound, a project seeking to document the impact of slavery upon the Indigenous people of the Americas. Names mentioned: Archuleta, Ortega Places mentioned: Santa Fe, Antonito, Mora Follow the progress of Native Bound Unbound here or on socials. Go visit the Turquoise Teapot Cat Cafe in Santa Fe - I highly recommend the "Horchatea." Email us at [email protected].

Virginia Sanchez returns to talk about migration into Southern Colorado, life for our ancestors in that area, and rare documentation of enslaved people in Hispano communities there. Places mentioned: Huerfano, Cucharas, San Luis Valley You can order the book Nacion Genizara here. For a complete list of Virginia's work, visit her LinkedIn profile. Virginia shared lyrics to a comanchero song - "If you go to Navajoland, take your burial shroud with you. Because dying over these is certain and cannot be negotiated." Virginia found the lyrics in a journal written by Lucas Martinez, who was born in Cucharas, and lived in Chavez, Huerfano County, Colorado. According to Dr. Enrique Lamadrid, this verse is still sung by the Comanches de la Serna. This document and his journal are located in the Hart Library of the History Colorado Center in Denver.  On Pages 179-180 and 188-192 of Virginia's chapter (Chapter 8) in Nacion Genizara, you'll find additional captivity songs, laments, and lullabies.   You can find a recording of La Cautiva Marcelina, sung by Virginia Bernal, available on Vimeo here. Correction: The cautiva song, La Cautiva Marcelina was not a children's rhyme.

J de la Cruz Archuleta shares about his ancestors' migration into Southern Colorado and growing up with Manito traditions. Kat learns she'll probably never be able to grow her own osha. Names mentioned: Archuleta, Vallejos, Vigil, Sandoval, Martinez Places mentioned: Cucharas, Crestones, Badito, Pueblo, Huerfano, SLV Email us at [email protected].

Trinidad needed its own episode! Millie Duren from the Trinidad History Museum walks us through so much rich history, from the original tribes in the area to Felipe Baca to the POW camp during WWII. Names mentioned: Casimiro Barela, Felipe Baca, Rafael Chacon, Sister Blandina Places mentioned: Trinidad, Segundo, Valdez, Trinchera Make sure to visit the Trinidad History Museum; tours of the Baca House are at 11 and 1, so plan your visit around then. Do not miss the gift shop! They have books and other items you can't find anywhere else. Incredibly, ⁠the Aultman photo collection is available to search online! ⁠I do recommend looking at each record after your initial search, because there are some creative spellings on names Excellent article on the POW camp outside of Trinidad. I can't stop thinking about Colie's Bakery.

Sandra Dolak of the Huajatolla Heritage Foundation shares about several of her passions, including sheepherding traditions in Southern Colorado. You can get a copy of The Woolly West: Colorado's Hidden History of Sheepscapes by Andrew Gulliford here. Follow the Huajatolla Heritage Foundation on Facebook for upcoming arts and cultural events in Huerfano County. You can get a copy of the Huerfano Heritage Cookbook at the Fox Theatre in Walsenburg, and at some point other local places in Huerfano County will probably be carrying it. It's great! Sandy recommends Taos Wools for churro wool yarn. You can contact us at [email protected].

George shares the extraordinary life of his ancestor, Charles Autobees, and his role in key moments of Northern NM and Southern CO history. Names mentioned: Autobees/Ortivis/Otterby, Avila, Olguin, Alires, Romero Places mentioned: Avondale, Pueblo, Salt Creek, Taos, Fort Garland Find The Life and Times of Charles Autobees book at local bookstores. There are several profiles on Charles with photos, here is one. You can reach us at [email protected].

Kat took a solo road trip following the journey of her people into Southern Colorado. Stay tuned for many interviews to come with locals to flesh out the experiences of our adventurous antepasados in this new frontier. Places mentioned: Pueblo, Walsenburg, La Veta, Fort Garland, San Luis, Trinidad You can reach us at [email protected].

Dr. Robert Con Davis-Undiano tells us all about the practice of casta paintings in 18th century New Spain, the product of a complex history with race and ethnicity that would evidently outlast colonialism by centuries. You can find plenty of images of casta paintings online. You can find a copy of Mestizos Come Home here.

Virginia Sanchez is an independent scholar researching those who were enslaved in Hispano communities. She shares some of their stories in Mora County, as well as touching on those in southern Colorado (more to come on that!). You can find a list of Virginia's books and articles here. You can email Virginia at virginia.sanchez [at] comcast [dot] net. You can order Pleas and Petitions from the University of Colorado Press. Here's a cool article on Virginia's work on PBS. Other books mentioned: Nacion Genizaro, edited by Moises Gonzales and Enrique R. Lamadrid Captives and Cousins (my guy's name wasn't in there!), James Brooks You can email us at [email protected]

Annette Gutierrez-Turk shares about the tradition of colcha embroidery - how it came to New Mexico, how our ancestors would have done it and why, and how you can learn this beautiful art form. Sign up for monthly classes on colcha embroidery on the National Hispanic Cultural Center website under Events The Brown Sheep Company mentioned as a source for yarn for those who cannot source it locally Check out the books and materials available from the Sandia Mountains chapter of the EGA Resources from a recent exhibit colcha embroidery in Southern Colorado Colcha demonstration from the Huajatolla Heritage Foundation

I learned so much in this conversation with Nicolas Martinez! Among other things, I got some good tips on finding certain records, and how to track down family photos. Names mentioned: Martinez, Maes, Barcelona (Barcelo), Sandoval, Torres, Branch, Luna, Chaves Places mentioned: Mora, Las Vegas, Los Golondrinas (Mora County), Chacon, Abiquiu, Albuquerque Find Presbyterian records at the Menual Historical Library of the Southwest. Article mentioned: New Mexico Historical Journal from Spring 2023 You can reach me at [email protected].

Bernardino Cisneros shares some of his memories growing up with his grandparents in Questa, as well as some great Norteno Spanish. SURNAMES MENTIONED: Rael, LaForette (La Foret, LaFore), Cisneros PLACES MENTIONED: Questa, Tres Piedras, Dixon, Penasco, Vietnam War Memorial Check out Frank's Eats & Sweets in Questa! If you haven't ridden the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad yet, add it to this year's list. You can reach me at [email protected].

Kat's family gets deep over a Disney movie! To be fair, Coco is a layered, complicated (but delightfully colorful) film about trauma, family, and ancestors. We had a great discussion about "legacy burdens" and inheriting resiliency as well as trauma from our antepasados. Check out Coco - streaming on Disney+, on demand, or from your local public library! And don't forget the tissues. This is the study I mentioned. I got some details wrong, but it's still a useful idea! Playing my dad's favorite music from his youth always sparks joy for him. Reach us at [email protected].

Kat talks to Richard and Rita, a married couple with roots in NE New Mexico whose lives took many turns. Mentions: Clayton, Des Moines, Taos, Red River, ABQ, Clayton POW Camp, WWII, ABQ Green Book Brief mention of Clayton "branch camp" for POWs here. Update from the Herzstein Museum : For about a year during WWII there was a tent compound of German POWs, this was approximately where the Clayton Motel is now heading west out of town. A bus driver, Lee R. Kear would pick up the prisoners and drive them to the fields around the Pennington Community, suspected to be Walter Ogle's farm and return to town with the students. In the afternoon they would reverse the pickup and drop off. These prisoners took their lunch with them, and Mrs. Ogle didn't have to feed them. Another letter suggests that POWs were "farmed out" to replace the work force that had left for the war. The farmer would cover the cost of room and board. The rules were strict about how they would be treated, including humane accommodations, adequate food, and well defined working conditions and hours. This second suggests more of a case need than an actual camp. It's also suggested that most were uncomfortable discussing this after the fact. There could be more stories out there! Reach us at [email protected].

Kat's family samples some chokecherry jelly from Cleveland, purchased at Tapetes de Lana in Mora, a nonprofit working to build rural economics through cottage industry and agriculture. Tapetes de Lana has an art gallery where they promote rural artists, with a primary focus on weaving and the production of high quality yarns made from local farmers. They run a spinning mill, train weavers and promote sustainability on small rural farms. Go do your holiday shopping there! I got everything from cards to earrings to soaps there. Chokecherries (capulin) are found throughout New Mexico. Historically, the berries were used as a source of food by Native Americans and settlers, while many parts of the shrub were used for medicinal purposes. Today, the fruit from this wild shrub (Prunus virginiana) is still used to make jelly, and the plants are a great landscape option. The name chokecherry is derived from the berries, which when eaten raw have an astringent, bitter taste similar to tannins in tea. This causes the mouth to pucker, thus giving the fruit its name. Chokecherries are used to make juice, jelly, syrup, wine, pies, and medicines. The shrub’s inner bark is used for medicinal purposes such as cough syrups and sedatives. In addition to being a source of fiber and antioxidants, chokecherry fruits are also high in nutrients, including manganese, potassium, and vitamins C, K, and B6. Source: NMSU Reach us at [email protected].

Kat's family shares about a recent genealogy trip to Union County, an important area for their Pacheco ancestors. Surnames mentioned: Sanchez, Pacheco, Gonzales Places mentioned: Dry Cimarron Valley, Folsom, Clayton, Trinchera and Trinchera Plaza, CO

Kat rides solo to talk about her very colorful Alires line. Surnames mentioned: Alires, Alire, Romero Places mentioned: Colorado Springs, Pueblo, CO, Ojo Caliente, Arroyo Hondo, Fort Union, Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site

Kat chats with her very favorite prima about some juicy finds, long-awaited records finally found, and some dicey genealogy road trips. Surnames mentioned: Tafoya, Seiler, Gilbert, Bueno, Medina Locations mentioned: Clayton, Mora, Fort Union, Trinidad, Brilliant

Kat chats with the New Mexico photographer and documentary historian known as "City of Dust." Places mentioned: Ricardo, Las Vegas, Rio Puerco Valley, Hanover Find City of Dust on Facebook and Instagram and his blog at cityofdust.blogspot.com. You can get copies (signed!) of Abandoned New Mexico: Ghost Towns, Endangered Architecture, and Hidden History at his Big Cartel page or at a local NM bookstore like the Turquoise Maiden in Clayton. John was also featured by CNN last year.

Kat shares the discovery of her Pacheco line. Surnames mentioned: PACHECO, SANCHEZ Places mentioned: Union County, Mora You can reach Kat at [email protected].

This intro to the podcast includes Kat waxing poetic about the importance of ancestry and shining a light on those who came before us. Surnames mentioned: PACHECO, ALIRES, ROMERO, SANCHEZ Kat can be reached at [email protected].