History

‘Kilroy Was Here’ Pops Up On Windstream In White Rock

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The phrase ‘Kilroy was here’ was popularized by GIs during World War II, often appearing in graffiti alongside a cartoon doodle of a bald man with a prominent nose peering over a wall. Although the origins of the expression and accompanying drawing are widely debated, the graffiti has always held great meaning for the American Armed Forces. This Kilroy popped up Friday on a Windstream on Paul Place in White Rock. Photo by Shari Mills
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Places & Spaces Seeks Community Memories For Black Hole Oral History Project

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Black Hole owner Ed Grothus. Courtesy/Places & Spaces

COMMUNITY News:

 Places & Spaces Los Alamos is seeking community participation in the Black Hole Oral History Project. The project aims to collect oral histories capturing stories, anecdotes, memories, and statements about the Black Hole and its owner, Ed Grothus. Conversations, legends, experiences, and interesting purchases – all of these are great topics.

“The Black Hole was more than just a surplus store; it was a cultural hub and a source of countless stories,” said Kevin Holsapple of Places & Spaces. “This project Read More

‘The Black Hole: A Unique Slice Of Los Alamos’ Heritage’ Films, Panel, Q&A Sept. 18 At SALA

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COMMUNITY News:

Places & Spaces Los Alamos invites the public to a community forum titled “The Black Hole: A Unique Slice of Los Alamos’ Heritage”, at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at the SALA Event Center.

The event, part of SALA’s Parallel Cinema Series, will provide a unique opportunity for the public to engage with the history of one of Los Alamos’ legendary landmarks and citizens and learn about an initiative to preserve that history. 

This event is free and open to the community.

Films and Discussion Panel

  • The evening will begin with a brief video about the Places & Spaces Black Hole Museum
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Celebrate Borderland Folk Art And Iconic New Mexico Architecture At State’s Newest Historic Site Nov. 8

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Old Mesilla, Exterior of Taylor Properties, Black & White (year & photographer unknown). Courtesy: New Mexico Historic Sites

NMDCA News:

MESILLA — After more than two decades of anticipation, a historic property that captures the birth and growth of New Mexico’s borderlands and showcases a stunning collection of folk art is opening its doors as the eighth New Mexico Historic Site.

Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site’s Grand Opening Fiesta on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, will celebrate this milestone with a ribbon cutting, live music on the Mesilla Plaza, and other special activities throughout Read More

Archaeology Fair To Be Held At Ghost Ranch Sept. 27

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NMDCA News:

The New Mexico Historic Preservation Division (NMHPD) is thrilled to announce that the 2025 Archaeology Fair will be held at one of New Mexico’s best-known historic properties: Ghost Ranch!

Join NMHPD for a family-friendly exploration of archaeology at beautiful Ghost Ranch from 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27. This annual celebration is an opportunity to learn about archaeology, stone and ceramic tools, and historic artifacts. 

Learn to throw an atlatl, make your own clay pot, and enjoy children’s games, yucca fibercraft, and more. 

Ghost Ranch will have free admission Read More

Life After 50: 9/11 Memorial Shanksville, PA

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By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Executive Director
C’YA

I recall sitting on the living room floor after being awakened by a phone call from my brother. He said, “The lab is okay, but turn on the tv.” The first plane had struck the Twin Towers and then we watched the rest unfold. Our son was in Becky Sim’s afternoon kindergarten class and we would not have to go that afternoon. The next day a lovely letter from Laura Bush was sent home with the students. The world would change forever.

A few years ago, I read, The Only Plane in the Sky by Garret Graff. It was an amazing book that detailed the day minute by minute and Read More

SFCC: ‘Hispanic Heritage: Looking Back To The Future’ Oct.1

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Yolanda Nava

SFCC News:

The community is invited to attend the Santa Fe Community College lecture, “Hispanic Heritage: Looking Back to the Future” by national speaker Yolanda Nava in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

The presentation is 10-11:30 a.m., followed by Q & A until noon, Wednesday, Oct. 1.

Nava is a civil rights and media pioneer. The author published the transformational memoir, “Through the Dark”, and the groundbreaking book of Latino virtues, “It’s All in the Frijoles: Nourish the heart, mind and soul”.

This is a free event at the SFCC, Biowall in the lobby of SFCC Health Read More

Pages Of Our History: Frank Rand Jr.

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By SHARON SNYDER
Los Alamos

Frank Rand Jr. was born in Saint Louis, Mo., in January 1907, and attended the Los Alamos Ranch School in 1923-1924. In that year at the ranch school, he fell in love with New Mexico. Though his father had connections to Vanderbilt University and was a donor to St. Louis University, Frank chose to stay in the West and attend Colorado College. He graduated in 1930 with a major in English.

Frank was soon married, and he and his wife, Adele, settled in New Mexico. It wasn’t long until he became the owner/publisher of the Santa Fe New Mexican in the 1940s. He was also an avid Read More

Four Decades And Seven Governors—David Abbey Shares Memoir At New Mexico History Museum Book Talk

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David Abbey

NMDCA News:

The community is invited to join David Abbey, former head of the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee, at 1 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 1, at the New Mexico History Museum for an author event and book signing for his new memoir, “Forty Years in the New Mexico Roundhouse”.

In Abbey’s new book, “Forty Years in the New Mexico Roundhouse,” he shares stories about his time as a finance and budget expert at the state capitol during the administrations of seven New Mexico governors, from Toney Anaya in 1983 to Michelle Lujan Grisham. He was known for his broad knowledge of New Mexico history Read More

This Day In History: Attack On America Sept. 11, 2001

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History.com published this photo by Getty Images NA on Nov. 24, 2009. Courtesy/history.com

Sept. 11 News:

At approximately 8:46 a.m. on a clear Tuesday morning of Sept. 8, 2001, an American Airlines Boeing 767 loaded with 20,000 gallons of jet fuel crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. The impact left a gaping, burning hole near the 80th floor of the 110-story skyscraper, instantly killing hundreds of people and trapping hundreds more on higher floors.

As the evacuation of the tower and its twin got underway, television cameras broadcast live images of what Read More