El Paso Museum of History

EPMH Happy Holidays 2020

We're thinking of you this time of year! Warmest thoughts and wishes for a wonderful socially-distant holiday season. - From all of us at the El Paso Museum of History ❤️✨

DIY garland tutorial

Is your mantel looking bare? Need some last minute holiday decor? 🎄🧐 Check out this DIY garland tutorial led by local creative instructor, Naomi Conner of NVe Art Studio. This FREE virtual programming is family-friendly and can be done from the comfort of your home! Materials you will need: +hot glue gun +twine or similar material +scissors +colored cardstock or construction paper Show us your DIY garlands in the comments below. Happy crafting!

The History of Sunset Heights: A Talk by Bernie Sargent

Local historian, Bernie Sargent of the El Paso History Radio Show speaks on the historic Sunset Heights neighborhood and the people/families who made it what it is today! This talk is a teaser for our exhibition to come, "Sunset Heights: Neighboorhoods And Shared Memories" ... "Sunset Heights: Neighboorhoods And Shared Memories" has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the human endeavor. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this exhibition, do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Make your own holiday cards

Let's get crafty! ⛄❄ Make your very own holiday cards to spread socially-distant cheer in this video tutorial led by local creative instructor, Naomi Conner of NVe Art Studio. This FREE virtual programming is family-friendly and can be done from the comfort of your home! You'll need: +colored construction or cardstock paper +glue +scissors +pencil +markers Optional* +hole punch Show us your work in the comments below. Happy crafting!

Low & Slow: Lowrider Culture On The Border Virtual Tour

The El Paso Museum of History presents "Low & Slow: Lowrider Culture on the Border". Special thanks to the following donors for their support of this exhibition: + Raul Apodaca, Slow & Low Car Club + Octavio Calderon, Slow & Low Car Club + Carlos Callejo + Johnny Campos, Slow & Low Car Club + Robert Diaz, Sick Side Car Club + Mando Espinoza and Veronica Mendez, EPT Cruising + Jessica “Pachuquita Precious” Flores + Gabriel Gaytan + Aaron Herrera, Slow & Low Car Club: Juarez Chapter + Sabian Luna, Slow & Low Car Club +Francisco Martinez, Martinez Zoot Suiters + Arturo Noguez, Slow & Low Car Club + Tony Olguin, Slow & Low Car Club + Joseph Ontiveros, Slow & Low Car Club +Joel Pasillas, Modern Times Car Club + Raul Pedroza, Slow & Low Car Club + Sergio Pereyra + Robert Rios, Estilo Car Club + Leo Rivera, Presence CC + Federico Villalba Video by: Viridiana Villa Music by: Roberto Portillo Narration by: Crysti Couture of React Republic and Omar Hernandez "Low and Slow: Lowrider Culture on the Border" has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the human endeavor. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this exhibition, do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our museum remains closed to the public.

EPMH- Half and full face calavera makeup tutorial with Michelle and Gino

Spooktober is almost over!😱💀✨ Celebrate with us as local artists, Michelle and Gino of Ghost Fox Toys, teach you how to do both half and full face calavera makeup for Día de los Muertos or just in time for Halloween 🎃. Show us your finished look in the comments below ⬇️ Materials needed: + various sized paintbrushes + small sponge + 1 cup water + paper towels + a mirror + face paints* (i.e. Tag or Snazaroo) *NOTE: Only use designated facepaints! No acrylic, oil, or craft paints ❌🎨

EPMH- History and Traditions of Día de los Muertos with La Calaca Maldonado

Learn about the history and traditions of Día de los Muertos with La Calaca Maldonado. of Laz Calacaz ArteZaniaz 💀🕯✨ The El Paso Museum of History, El Paso Museum of Art and El Paso Museum or Archeology are teaming up for a virtual Dia de los Muertos Celebration This video kicks-off our week of FREE family friendly online programming and activities to enjoy at home! To view photos, poems and downloadable activities, visit: https://epma.art/dia-de-los-muertos

EPMH Creepy Collection Series- "Always watching"

We've scoured through the depths of our Museum's collections to bring you the most hair-raising objects in our special, #CreepyCollection series 👻🎃 “Always watching” The mirror and dresser set was placed in the museum’s care by an anonymous donor. With it, came two pictures containing written notes indicating that it belonged to a family in Sunset Heights. Underneath, was a scribbled warning to keep the mirror covered in efforts to, “keep souls on their way to the afterlife from roaming”. Previous staff witnessed many instances where they found the mirror uncovered and claimed to see an apparition of a young woman wandering around collections’ main storage, with glimpses of her reflection showing in the mirror. Currently, this piece is housed towards the back of storage, still inexplicably found uncovered the next day. Although little is known about the young woman or why the set was given to the museum, staff feels that the woman’s spirit is always watching, waiting for her story to be uncovered, just like the mysterious mirror. What do YOU think? 😏

EPMH Creepy Collection Series- "The Wheelchair"

We've scoured through the depths of our Museum's collections to bring you the most hair-raising objects in our special, #CreepyCollection series 👻🎃 "The Wheelchair" The wheelchair was donated to the El Paso Museum of History in the early 1960's by the then Southwest General Hospital (originally the Homan Sanatorium). El Paso’s dry, sunny climate proved to be ideal for treatment centers specializing in "sun cures" for tuberculosis. According to Museum records, the wheelchair was found with other outdated medical equipment in the hospital's basement. Decades later, as museum staff brought items back from their offsite storage, the wheelchair was transferred to the Museum's collections room. Staff reported an immediate noticeable change in energy. When near the chair, unexplained shifts in temperature or pockets of cold air can be felt. Our facilities personnel have had to secure the wheelchair's mobility as it "has a mind of its own", often moving from its original location. Its movement is believed to be attributed to the attached spirit seeking a source of light, as it once did all those years ago. What do YOU think? 😏

El Paso Giving Day 2020

☀️Today is El Paso Giving Day!☀️ By giving just $10 you can help us and other localnonprofits continue our missions throughout the Sun City-(The minimum donation is $10). Donate here: ⬇️ https://elpasogivingday.org/organizations/el-paso-museum-of-history-foundation #EPGD2020 #EPGivingDay

EPMH Creepy Collection Series- "Donna's Dolls"

We've scoured through the depths of our Museum's collections to bring you the most hair-raising objects in our special, #CreepyCollection series 👻🎃 “Donna’s Dolls” A collection of dolls was received from the Stevens family after the passing of their 10-year-old daughter, Donna Stevens, to honor her memory. Soon after, museum staff reported hearing footsteps similar to that of skipping, and child laughter coming from the collections room. The box in which the dolls are kept is often found uncovered, with its top on the floor nearby. The source of the energy seems to culminate around a single doll affectionately named, ‘Charlotte’. Although museum staff do not feel a negative force, they believe Donna’s spirit still remains with her cherished doll collection. What do YOU think? 😏

#ImagineElPaso

The #ImagineElPaso campaign is a collaboration between cultural organizations in El Paso to stand together and remain seen as places of education, inspiration and community whether our doors are open or closed during the Coronavirus pandemic. The El Paso Museum of History is excited to participate in this initiative! We will be sharing resources that spark imagination in the coming weeks. Stay tuned. For more information visit epcf.org/imagineEP. The El Paso Cultural Roundtable was formed in February 2018 by the El Paso Community Foundation to create better cooperation and partnerships between participating organizations, promote the importance of the arts to the community, and improve the visibility of their programs in the community.

Free Virtual Summer Workshop Reboot

Still hanging on to Summer? So are we! We're rebooting our free virtual summer workshops by making them available to access beginning next week! Here is what you can look forward to: 🚀 Monday, September 21: DIY Moonsand by EPMH 🧲 Tuesday, September 22: Magnetic Abstract Art by Laura Turon 🧶 Wednesday, September 23: Mini Loom Weaving with Cynthia Guttierez-Krap 🌿 Thursday, September 24: Herb Notebook Making & Plant Gathering 🚂 Friday, September 25: DIY 3D Railcar by EPMH The list of supplies needed will be posted each day for you to get crafty from home! These workshops are generously funded by Texas Women for the Arts a subdivision of Texas Commission on the Arts.

Although our museum and digital wall, DIGIE, remain closed to the public, you can still access and contribute to our community digital archive! Here is a quick step-by-step video guide to help you get started. ❓🤔 Still have questions or need some one-on-one help? Sign up for our Digitize My History virtual session next Friday, September 18th. Time slots are one per person and on a first come first served basis.

Immigration History of Korean Americans

🗣 Virtual Lecture 💻 Tune in to our interactive lecture lead by Hyung Lae Park, Professor at El Paso Community College. Park discusses the immigration history of Korean Americans. This lecture is generously funded by Humanities Texas.

📣 CALL FOR ARTIFACTS 📣 The El Paso Museum of History is putting together our latest exhibition, "Low & Slow: Lowrider Culture On The Border." We are asking those of you with ties to the lowrider community to participate. We are currently looking for: + lowrider memorabilia (banners, posters, t-shirts, trophies, awards, etc.) + biclas + photos + car hoods If you are interested in sharing your story, photos, memorabilia, etc. COMMENT BELOW⬇️ so that we can get in touch with you or call our museum curator, Erica Marin at ☎️ 915-212-3163 Shout out to the El Paso Lowrider Association and eptcruising.com for their continued support of this project!

Food Story Project: El Paso Food Voices

🗣 Virtual Lecture 💻 Tune in to our virtual lecture lead by Meredith E. Abarca, PhD Professor of Food Studies and Literature at the UTEP - The University of Texas at El Paso and creator, editor & curator of El Paso Food Voices. This lecture is generously funded by Humanities Texas.

Virtual Introduction- "Resilience: Remembering August 3rd"

The El Paso Museum of History presents "Resilience: Remembering August 3rd". Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the El Paso Museum of History is currently closed to the public. "Resilience: Remembering August 3rd" will be available for public viewing once the Museum reopens. For video with closed captions, visit: https://youtu.be/IFiniuraAiY

Documenting Our Community- Local Student Producers Film El Paso's History & Share Advice On Making A Short Documentary Film

🗣 Virtual Lecture 💻 Tune in to our virtual lecture lead by Elvira Carrizal-Dukes, PhD(c), MFA, doctoral degree candidate in the Rhetoric and Composition program at The UTEP - The University of Texas at El Paso where she is an Assistant Professor of Practice and Academic Advisor for Chicana/o Studies. Elvira Carrizal-Dukes discusses documenting our community featuring local student producers who have filmed El Paso's history and share advice on making a short documentary film. This lecture is generously funded by Humanities Texas.

Did you know ❓❓❓ In 1909, the Southern Pacific Railroad of Mexico integrated into the greater Pacific Railroad in the United States; railway operations increased travel from Mazatlán, Sinaloa in Southern Mexico to Nogales, Sonora in Northern Mexico, connecting with the Sunset Route in southwest United States directly into Arizona. In October 1920, Mexican President Álvaro Obregón visited El Paso, and expressed his aspirations for international friendship and diplomatic relations between the two countries – a week later the El Paso Chamber of Commerce promptly set out for their excursion by train to Mexico City. The Peace and Progress Excursions promoted “international friendship and diplomatic relations between the two countries”. EPMH Education and Curatorial Associate, Stephanie Gardea is seen dusting and prepping two panoramic photographs newly added to display in our exhibition “Tracks Across the Desert: More than 100 years of Railroad in El Paso”. These photographs are of the El Paso Chamber of Commerce Peace and Progress Excursions to Mexico in 1920 and 1941 and are both from the museum’s collections. Although few documentation exists regarding the Peace and Progress Excursions, artifacts like these further contextualize a tradition for the El Paso Chamber of Commerce over a course of 20 years, just before Southern Pacific Railroad of Mexico was eventually sold to the Mexican government in 1951.

Queens In Quarantine

Queens in Quarantine is a virtual roundtable on the history and culture of drag performance, featuring local queens: Lavender Thug, Akasha BC, and Barbie

International Museum Day 2020

Today we celebrate #InternationalMuseumDay 🌎🏛 Here's a look back at our year!

Virtual Toddler and Me: Let's Move!

A ✨FREE✨ virtual space for tots (crawling through 3 y.o.) and their caregivers. From the comfort of your home via our Facebook Premiere, we'll have fun and bond through age-appropriate movements, tales, and games that contribute to a developing child’s health and contentment. • Children must be accompanied by an adult guardian. • Wear comfortable clothes for playing and stretching • Have small stuffed animal handy if you have one! Lead by: Rubi Orozco Santos- Tradiciones Sanas Rubi Orozco Santos has been leading yoga and wellness classes for borderland youth and families for 10 years. She is a Certified Baby and Toddler Yoga teacher with ChildLight Yoga, Certified Restorative Yoga Teacher with Wise Owl Wellness and is a registered experienced yoga teacher (E-RYT200), prenatal yoga teacher (RPYT), and continuing education provider (YACEP) with Yoga Alliance, the international yoga professional organization.

Etchings by Steve Edwards Exhibit- Virtual Tour

Check out our latest exhibit, Etchings by Steve Edwards. This is a gift to EPMH of Jim Singleton in honor of Maureen Singleton†.

Happy Bithday, DIGIE!

Happy Birthday, DIGIE! 🎂 ✨🎉 5 years ago today our digital wall, the only one of its kind in the United States and one of four in the world, was unveiled to the community of El Paso. Here's the story of how DIGIE came to be.

Tracks Across the Desert: More Than 100 Years of Railroad in EP exhibit opening Thursday, January 23, 2020!

‼️HAPPENING NOW AT EPMH ‼️ As part ❄️ El Paso WinterFest ❄️ programming join us from 12pm-4pm for FREE holiday crafts. Also United Way of El Paso County is here giving away ✨FREE✨ children’s books in both English and Spanish, as part of their grade-level reading initiative (while supplies last).

El Paso Giving Day - El Paso Museum of History

See what we've been up to 👀and consider donating to support our mission of providing engaging, inclusive educational experiences for the enitre El Paso community ❤️! Click the link below to give to our ✨EL PASO MUSEUM OF HISTORY FOUNDATION✨ during El Paso Giving Day 2019 ⬇️ https://donate.elpasogivingday.org/organizations/el-paso-museum-of-history-foundation

INSIDE OUT: El Paso Strong Project by artist , Amanda Gonzales

Learn the story behind "INSIDE OUT: El Paso Strong Project", the lastest mural installation by artist Amanda Gonzales. You can see the completed mural in tonight's Last Thursdays El Paso Art Walk from 6 PM - 10 PM. 🗣From the artist: "On August 3rd, I was heartbroken after learning our city had been attacked and deeply misunderstood. When I realized my pain was not isolated but being felt by an entire city I decided the best way to release triggered fear in my mind was by reminding others they have the strength to do the same through the power of shared expression. My most important task and greatest gift throughout this community project was asking my loving community for help which I received every step of the way. I’m humbled and proud to have been met with endless support and I hope this project empowers every passerby to feel and be El Paso Strong.”

Here’s more on the mural by artist, Amanda Gonzales Did you know... It took 8.5 hours ⏰, 7 volunteers 👥, 6 brushes🖌, and 1.5 gallons of glue 🔘 to install all 53 prints of these different, El Pasoan faces 😯!? See her completed work at our museum’s intersection of Missouri Ave and El Paso St. ✨Stay tuned throughout the week as we share more details on Amanda and her project. ✨