ADVISORY: Explore the people, history and traditions of early New Mexico settlers as Scholar Virginia S�nchez debuts book at NHCC on June 25
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Hi Everyone,
The National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC) is excited to welcome scholar and historian Virginia Sánchez as she debuts her new book on early settlers of La Cebolla Valley on June 25.
What: As part of the Center’s History & Literary Arts Herencia Series, Sánchez will share information from her new book La Cebolla Valley: A History . More than 160 years ago, the early settlers of La Cebolla Valley arrived and put down roots that would flourish into a lasting legacy. Freight wagons and travelers passed through the land, an integral piece of the Mora–Las Vegas Trail, bringing with them cultures and traditions that lived on in the people who stayed. Through perseverance and dedication, they built the Acequia de San José and the Acequia de La Isla, which have known nearly two centuries of use, and transformed a small natural pond into Morphy Lake. This is a free event, please register online at nhccnm.org/events . Who: Scholar Virginia Sánchez started researching Morphy Lake and La Cebolla Valley in western Mora County when a cousin told her about an old wooden voting box tucked away in a barn that held more than 300 letters, wills, deeds, maps, and receipts that held the story of the valley and its people. the papers he found in an old wooden voting box tucked away in a barn. These documents, from Agapito Abeyta, Sr,. a former merchant and territorial representative, told the story of this valley and how its settlers expanded a small natural pond into what became Morphy Lake. Where: Salón Ortega at the NHCC, located at 1701 4th Street SW. When: Thursday June 25 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Why: It’s a chance to learn more about a quiet corner of Northern New Mexico and the cultures and traditions that helped to shape it.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re interested in learning more!
Thanks, Stephen
Stephen Hamway stephen.hamway@dca.nm.gov (505) 412-3758
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