Recent History Acquisitions
Francisco Rodriguez, Coronavirus Pinatas, papier mache, Albuquerque Museum, promised gift of anonymous donor
Pressure Cooker, National Presto Industries, founded 1905 Eau Claire, Wisconsin, ca. 1940, heavy aluminum cast, brass rods, bakelite, gift of Kate Padilla, PC2021.3.1.1-.2
When museum visitors view historical objects on display, they may not be thinking about how those objects came into the museum in the first place. This exhibition explored how the museum acquires, cares for, and chooses to present the collection.
Recent History Acquisitions was a look at some of the historical objects that the Albuquerque Museum has acquired in the past two and a half years. The exhibit considered how the museum decides what to collect and how to contextualize the material of the past within the context of the present moment. These questions are explored through four main themes: the evolving role of women in New Mexico; how the state has crafted its identity, especially throughout the 20th century; the ways in which local and global maps help situate people in space; and how New Mexicans have coped with the COVID-19 pandemic.
At a time when many people may feel isolated and separated from their neighbors and families, these objects speak to the ways in which New Mexicans have created and continue to build community. Recent History Acquisitions explored the theme of community, offered visitors an opportunity to learn about the process of museum collecting, and reflected on how New Mexicans have created community throughout time.