SANTA FE, NM – The New Mexico Tourism Department is supporting Picuris Pueblo with the creation of an interpretive center and walking trail through a $50,000 Rural Pathway Program grant. The grant will support the rehabilitation and expansion of a building that previously served as the Pueblo’s museum, making way for a new museum, grill, gift shop and artifact storage facility.
“When it comes to the memorable features that make New Mexico an appealing destination to visit, our cultural heritage and amenities are second to none,” said Tourism Secretary Jen Paul Schroer. “Supporting tribal communities with the tourism infrastructure they need to grow tourism in a way that meets their goals is an important priority for the New Mexico Tourism Department.”
“I am thankful for the Rural Pathway grant awarded to Picuris Pueblo through the New Mexico Tourism Department,” said Picuris Pueblo Governor Craig Quanchello. “Our history shows us as the longest, continuously inhabited Native community in the Southwest, as seen across the landscape and verified through the archeological record. Our community is small, but our story is not. The interpretive center will showcase our rich history and bring to light the origin and leader of the Pueblo Revolt, Tuu Pa Tuh.”
The museum will feature permanent and rotating exhibits tracing the history of Picuris Pueblo and highlight recent archaeological finds. The gift shop will feature art, souvenirs and other items for sale produced by the Picuris community and other artisans. Construction is currently underway to rehabilitate and expand the museum and create new spaces for the exhibits, grill, gift shop and collections.
The planned walking trail will connect the interpretive center to traditional homes of the Pueblo and the mission church through a one-mile loop. Future visitors will be able to hike the trail for a more immersive experience that will connect them to the sights, sounds and history of the land and the people of Picuris Pueblo. The walking trail is expected to be complete by July 2023.
Other partners for the project include SMU-Taos, Barnard/Columbia University, University of Arizona, Peñasco Independent School District, Picuris Pueblo Tiwa Language Program, New Mexico MainStreet, U.S. Forest Service and Picuris Pueblo residents.