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Recent History Acquisitions

Coming to Albuquerque Museum in April. Recent History Acquisitions explores the theme of community, offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the process of museum collecting, and reflects on how New Mexicans have created community throughout time.

Recent History Acquisitions, April 2021. Francisco Rodriguez, Coronavirus Pinatas, papier mache, Albuquerque Museum, gift of anonymous donor

Francisco Rodriguez, Coronavirus Pinatas, papier mache, Albuquerque Museum, promised gift of anonymous donor

On view April 3–November 28, 2021

Recent History Acquisitions, April 2021. National Pressure Cooker Company, Pressure Cooker, heavy aluminum cast with brass rods and bakelite handles and thumbnuts, Albuquerque Museum, gift of Kate Padilla

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

 

Details subject to change.

 

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. An upcoming exhibition at the Albuquerque Museum explores how the museum acquires, cares for, and chooses to present the collection.

Recent History Acquisitions is a look at some of the historical objects that the Albuquerque Museum has acquired in the past two and a half years. The exhibit considers 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 explores the theme of community, offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the process of museum collecting, and reflect on how New Mexicans have created community throughout time.
 

Recent History Acquisitions opens in the Keleher Gallery on April 3, 2021.