Albuquerque Historical Society

Amtrak Passenger Rail Service in NM
2026-03-15 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Denver) | Albuquerque Museum – Auditorium, 2000 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87104
Join us on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 2 p.m. as Railroad Historian Fred Friedman explores the history and continuing importance of Amtrak passenger rail service in New Mexico, which has operated across the state since 1971 despite chronic funding challenges and reliance on freight rail lines. He will also highlight how several of today’s Amtrak stops were once important depots of the Fred Harvey system, linking modern passenger service with the region’s rich railroad heritage.
The program will be held at the Albuquerque Museum at 2000 Mountain Rd. NW in Old Town. Parking is free in the lot south of the Museum. Admission to the Museum and the AHS program is also free. Read More

Walking Through History - Tour of the KiMo Theater
2026-03-11 10:30 - 12:30 | KiMo Theater, 423 Central NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87102
Join us on Wednesday, March 11th, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. to tour the historic KiMo Theater. As part of our year-long celebration of Route 66, we’ll tour this unique pueblo-deco building which has been a landmark along the Mother Road since 1927. Our docent will cover the history and lore of the facility and discuss the design which includes kiva-like interiors with buffalo skulls, ceremonial canoes and Navajo rug-inspired vents. It’s now a cultural hub for the city, featuring concerts, films and special events.
This tour is limited to 40 participants. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian. No pets please, certified service animals are welcome. Attendees must dress appropriately for the prevailing weather, wear closed-toed shoes and avoid sandals and high-heels. RSVP below is required in advance no later than March 9th. Please indicate the number of attendees and their names. There is no cost for this tour.
More information is available at the KiMo website.

AHS Program - USS Albuquerque: 30 Years Beneath the World’s Oceans
2026-02-15 14:00 - 15:30 | Albuquerque Museum – Auditorium, 2000 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87104
Join us on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 2 p.m as Retired U.S. Navy submariner Terry Owen takes the audience deep beneath the surface to explore the 30-year global service of the nuclear submarine USS Albuquerque, sharing firsthand stories of life aboard and how a submarine truly operates. The presentation concludes with an update on the future USS Albuquerque memorial and its path forward.
The program will be held at the Albuquerque Museum at 2000 Mountain Rd. NW in Old Town. Parking is free in the lot south of the Museum. Admission to the Museum and the AHS program is also free. Read More

AHS Program - Gallup Route 66 Railroad and Highway Interface
2026-01-18 14:00 - 15:30 | Albuquerque Museum – Auditorium, 2000 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87104
Join us on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 2 p.m. as history-lover Roger Zimmerman explores how Gallup, NM, became a classic Route 66 town where the historic “Mother Road” closely parallels the railroad tracks, creating a distinct downtown layout with motels, diners, and trading posts nestled between the tracks and buildings.
Railroad planning shaped the early layout of Gallup, and when Route 66 was established in 1926 it followed Railroad Avenue, bringing growth but eventually creating major congestion as traffic increased after World War II. Throughout the 1950s the City of Gallup and the Santa Fe Railway worked through difficult right of way and design challenges to widen Route 66 and keep the highway and its vital commerce within the downtown business district. Read More

AHS Program - Albuquerque’s Indigenous Murals: A Visual Journey of Discovery
2025-11-16 14:00 - 15:30 | Albuquerque Museum – Auditorium, 2000 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87104
Join us on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 2 p.m. as historian Robin Dunitz explores Albuquerque’s rich collection of murals by Indigenous artists, from historic works at the Maisel Trading Post and the Sunport to contemporary pieces across the city. The presentation highlights how these artworks reflect personal stories, tribal traditions, and the blending of ancient and modern cultures.
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Walking Through History Tour - 2926 Locomotive
2025-11-08 09:00 - 10:30 | 2926 Restoration Site, 1833 8th St. NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87102
Join us on Saturday, November 8th, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. to learn all about the 2926 Steam Locomotive. The 2926 was born in May 1944 and ran a million miles in the American Southwest before being retired in 1956. It then languished in an Albuquerque park for decades. On July 24th, 2021 after a lengthy refurbishment by a group of dedicated volunteers from the New Mexico Steam Locomotive and Railroad Historical Society, the 2926 moved under her own steam once again. During this tour you’ll have the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at this amazing operational artifact of living history.
This tour is limited to 15 participants. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian. No pets please, certified service animals are welcome. RSVP is required in advance using the blue “Going” button below no later than November 5, 2025. Please indicate the number of attendees and their names.
More information is available at the 2926 website.

Steel Gangs, New Mexico’s Native American Railroad Workers
2025-10-19 14:00 - 15:30 | Albuquerque Museum – Auditorium, 2000 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87104
Join us on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 2 p.m. as railroad historian Fred Friedman explores the vital contributions of Navajo, Acoma, and Laguna railroad workers to the Santa Fe Railroad, highlighting their skill, cultural influence, and enduring relationships with the railroads since the late 19th century.
The program will be held at the Albuquerque Museum at 2000 Mountain Rd. NW in Old Town. Parking is free in the lot south of the Museum. Admission to the Museum and the AHS program is also free.
Read More.

The Kubié family, Kurt’s Camera Corral and Jim Kubié’s Rail Yards Photos
2025-09-21 14:00 - 15:30 | Albuquerque Museum – Auditorium, 2000 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87104
Join us on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 2 p.m. as Roland Penttila shares rare photographs from Kurt’s Camera Corral and striking black-and-white images by Jim Kubié that capture Albuquerque railroad workers at their craft in 1971. This presentation offers a nostalgic glimpse into a beloved Nob Hill landmark and the skilled labor that once powered the city’s rail history. The program will be held at the Albuquerque Museum at 2000 Mountain Rd. NW in Old Town. Parking is free in the lot south of the Museum. Admission to the Museum and the AHS program is also free. Read More.

The Origin and Evolution of Sandia National Laboratories
2025-08-17 14:00 - 15:30 | Albuquerque Museum – Auditorium, 2000 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87104
Join Historian Justin Quinn Olmstead, Ph.D. on Sunday, August 17, 2025 at 2 pm, as he describes the history of Sandia National Laboratories. This presentation will cover Sandia National Laboratories origins, and the changes it has gone through over the past 76 years to become one of the premier national laboratories it is today. The presentation will cover some snapshots of the roots of the key mission areas, its rapid growth to encompassing nuclear deterrence, global security, national security programs, energy and homeland security, and advanced science and technology.
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Walking Through History Tour - National Museum of Nuclear Science and History
2025-08-16 10:00 - 12:00 | The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, 601 Eubank Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87123
Join us on Saturday, August 16th, 2025 at 10:00 am to tour The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. This tour coincides with the anniversary of the first use of a nuclear weapon. The museum was established in 1969 as an intriguing place to learn the story of the Atomic Age, from early research of nuclear development through today’s peaceful uses of nuclear technology. In the company of a docent, you can explore how nuclear science continues to influence our world. The museum strives to present, through permanent and changing exhibits and displays, the diverse applications of nuclear science in the past, present, and future along with the stories of the field’s pioneers. Purchase an admission ticket below if you wish to join us for this special opportunity.
This exclusive tour is limited to 20 participants and the Albuquerque Historical Society will be offering a special reduced entry fee of just $10.00, at the day and time of the tour. Because of this special arrangement, the fee will be non-refundable. Ticket purchase is required in advance no later than August 14, 2025. Please indicate the number of attendees and their names. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian. No pets please, certified service animals are welcome.
More information is available at the museum website.

History of Classical KHFM
2025-07-20 14:00 - 15:30 | Albuquerque Museum – Auditorium, 2000 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87104
Join Brent Stevens on Sunday, July 20, 2025 at 2 pm, as he describes the history of Albuquerque’s first commercial FM station. KHFM began in 1954 as a project by two Highland High School teachers and grew in power and reach over the decades. After several ownership changes and a threatened format shift, the classical music station ultimately moved from 96.3 to 95.5 MHz and became a non-commercial station in 2017 under the nonprofit KHFM Community Partners, preserving its classical format.
The program will be held at the Albuquerque Museum at 2000 Mountain Rd. NW in Old Town. Parking is free in the lot south of the Museum. Admission to the Museum and the AHS program is also free. More info.

June 2025 AHS Program – Petroglyph National Monument
2025-06-15 14:00 - 15:30 | Albuquerque Museum – Auditorium, 2000 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87104
Join Superintendent Nancy Hendricks on Sunday, June 15, 2025, as she takes us through the history of Petroglyph National Monument as we celebrate 35 years since the Congressional designation of the site. Who made the petroglyphs? Why is the area important to the Indigenous people? What are the connections of early Spanish explorers and settlers to the site? Hendricks will discuss this and the ongoing challenges of protecting the irreplaceable and significant resources and cultural landscape of the Monument.
The program will be held at the Albuquerque Museum at 2000 Mountain Rd. NW in Old Town. Parking is free in the lot south of the Museum. Admission to the Museum and the AHS program is also free. Read More.

Walking Through History Tour - Casa San Ysidro: The Gutiérrez/Minge House in Corrales
2025-05-24 10:30 - 11:30 | Casa San Ysidro, 973 Old Church Rd., Corrales, New Mexico, 87048
Join us on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. to learn how people lived in the New Mexico territory in the 1880’s. We’ll be hosted by a knowledgeable docent who will bring their stories to life. So, you won’t want to miss out on this special opportunity. Casa San Ysidro may be the only historic property in the state where the collections, as well as the structures, are listed on the State Register of Cultural Properties. The Minge Collection includes architectural elements, furniture, religious art, household tools and hardware, jewelry, Hispanic and Pueblo weavings and pottery, a transportation collection, and historic photographs. Casa San Ysidro is designated by the National Park Service as a stopping point on El Camino Real de la Tierra Adentro National Interpretive Trail. Sign-up at the “Going” link provided below if you wish to join us.
This exclusive tour is limited to 15 participants and there is no cost for the tour. RSVP is required in advance using the blue “Going” button below no later than May 20, 2025. Please indicate the number of attendees and their names. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian. No pets please, certified service animals are welcome. If RSVP is closed you can email wth@albuqhistsoc.org and request to be placed on the waitlist. You may be contacted if there are any last-minute cancellations.
More information is available at the City of Albuquerque Casa San Ysidro: The Gutiérrez / Minge House in Corrales web page.

AHS April 2025 Program - Special Collections 100th Anniversary
2025-04-27 14:15 - 15:30 | Albuquerque Museum – Auditorium, 2000 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87104
On Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 2:15 pm, Teri Reynoso will give a presentation on Albuquerque’s oldest public library – the Special Collections branch. The library recently marked the 100th anniversary of its 1925 Pueblo/Spanish Revival-style building, now listed on local, state, and national historic registers. Read More.

Presentation of an Albuquerque History Accolade to Herman Bishop
2025-04-27 14:00 - 14:15 | Albuquerque Museum – Auditorium, 2000 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87104
On Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 2 pm, we will honor Herman Bishop with an Albuquerque History Accolade in recognition of his exceptional service to both his country and community, as well as his significant contributions to preserving and sharing Albuquerque’s history. As Historian for the Albuquerque Fire Department Retirees Association, Herman has extensively researched and presented on 142 years of local fire-fighting history—from the early days of bucket brigades and horse-drawn equipment to the modern era. In February 2024, he brought this history to life in a presentation to the Albuquerque Historical Society on the evolution of the Albuquerque Fire Department. Read the Accolade.

AHS 2025 Annual Meeting
2025-04-27 01:30 - 14:00 | Albuquerque Museum – Auditorium, 2000 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87104
The AHS 2025 Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 1:30 pm. It will include a report from AHS President Trudy Merriman and elections for officers and members of the Board of Directors. Officers and Directors serve two-year terms, with the Vice President and Secretary elected in odd-numbered years. This year’s nominees are Rich Adam for Vice President and Joe Sabatini for Secretary. The Board includes six Directors serving staggered two-year terms; nominated to serve from May 2025 through April 2027 are Teri Reynoso, Roger Zimmerman, and Judy Nickell. Additional nominations will be accepted from the floor.

Walking Through History Tour - The Wheels Museum
2025-02-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Wheels Museum, 1100 2nd St. SW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87102
Join us on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025 at 10:00 am to learn about the impact on Albuquerque by the evolution in transportation technology and to also be transported back in time. The Wheels Museum, located in the Albuquerque Rail Yards is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and creating educational exhibits about the history of transportation in Albuquerque and New Mexico with emphasis on the impact on the development of the area. Our collections embrace the history of the railroads, the impact of the rail yards on Albuquerque, as well as automobiles, horse and wagon, and other modes of transportation. Even the building in which it is located is an historical artifact worthy of closer examination. It is housed in what the Santa Fe Railyards once referred to as The Storehouse, a long and narrow structure built in 1914, in which was kept an enormous inventory of all manner of parts and supplies for the larger maintenance shops and the entire Santa Fe railroad system in general.
This tour is limited to 40 participants. RSVP is required in advance below no later than February 20th. Please indicate the number of attendees and their names. The site is ADA compliant. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian. No pets please, certified service animals are welcome. More information is available on the Wheels Museum website.

Feb 2025 AHS Program - The Crash of TWA Flight 260, 70 Years Later
2025-02-16 14:00 - 15:30 | Albuquerque Museum – Auditorium, 2000 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87104
On Sunday, February 16, 2025 at 2 pm, Albuquerque Historical Society invites you to a presentation by AHS Board Member Terry Owen on the 1955 crash of TWA Flight 260 into the side of the Sandias. The presentation will cover the crash details, contributing factors, archival and recent photos, and drone footage of the crash site. The program will be held in the Albuquerque Museum at 2000 Mountain Rd. NW in Old Town. Parking is free in the lot south of the Museum. Admission to the Museum and the AHS program is also free. Read More.

Walking Through History Tour – Maisel’s Indian Jewelry and Crafts Store and Murals
2024-11-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Maisel’s Indian Jewelry and Crafts Store, 510 Central Avenue SW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87102
Here’s your chance to see the Maisel’s Indian Jewelry and Crafts store and its famous murals again or for the first time. We’ll be hosted by the Garcia family who are the current owners of the building and who are working to restore the building to its former glory. This event will be a great follow-up to the June Albuquerque Historical Society presentation by historian, Paul Secord. You can view his presentation here.
The murals fronting the entrance and inside of the store are a treasure of Native American painting and are of national importance. They represent some of the earliest and finest paintings by a seminal group of Southwestern native artists. The building itself has been a landmark along old Route 66 for decades. This tour is limited to 12 participants. RSVP is required in advance below no later than November 18th. Please indicate the number of attendees and their names. Participants should be able to stand and walk for the entire duration of the roughly, one-hour tour. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian. No pets allowed.

November 2024 AHS Program – “Cartooning Albuquerque”
2024-11-17 14:00 - 15:30 | Albuquerque Museum – Auditorium, 2000 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87104
On Sunday, November 17, 2024, at 2 pm, veteran local editorial cartoonist John Trever reflects on his nearly 50-year career at the Albuquerque Journal and the thousands of editorial cartoons he has created. “Cartooning Albuquerque” will focus on the city’s political history of the past 50 years, featuring our recent mayors and issues of growth, environment, economy, transportation and crime, illustrated by several dozen cartoons covering the good, bad, ugly and hopefully humorous sides of Albuquerque and its leaders. The program will be held in the Albuquerque Museum at 2000 Mountain Rd. NW in Old Town. Parking is free in the lot south of the Museum. Admission to the Museum and the AHS program is also free.
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Presentation on Don Perkins: A Champion’s Life in Albuquerque
2024-10-20 14:00 - 15:30 | Albuquerque Museum – Auditorium, 2000 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87104
On Sunday, October 20, 2024, at 2 pm, Historian Richard Melzer will pay tribute to one of the most honored athletes in the history of the University of New Mexico. The program will be held at the Albuquerque Museum at 2000 Mountain Rd. NW in Old Town. Parking is free in the lot south of the Museum. Admission to the Museum and the AHS program is also free.
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AHS September 2024 Program - Remember the Alvarado!
2024-09-22 14:00 - 15:30 | Albuquerque Museum – Ventana Salon, 2000 Mountain Rd. NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87104
On Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 2 pm, Joe McKinney and Chuck Larrabee will discuss why the Alvarado Hotel closed and the efforts to save the landmark. Due to the strong interest shown in Fred Harvey historian Matt Kluge’s recent presentation on the history of the hotel, we are anticipating a large turnout. As a result, the event has been moved to the spacious Ventana Salon at the Museum. Read More.
