Welcome to a new episode of Preserving History and Democracy!
In this episode, hosts Cynthia and Bernardine are joined by two special guests: Angelica Valenzuela, Recording and Filing Supervisor, and Julie, Document Technician with the Bureau of Elections.
Angelica kicks things off by introducing the Historical Box Project—how it started, the purpose behind it, and what the process has looked like so far. She also explains how Julie, despite working in a different department, became an essential part of the project.
One of the most exciting discoveries Angelica shares is the uncovering of a truly iconic document: the coroner’s report for Pat Garrett. She discusses the significance of this find and the impact it had on the Clerk’s Office.
Julie then takes us deeper into the treasure trove of documents. She describes several fascinating finds, including:
An original homestead certificate from 1891
A historic census report that sheds light on why many Texans got married in New Mexico
Permits related to the legendary Harvey House
A billing document detailing Doña Ana County’s charges for an inmate held in Luna County—and the story behind it
A World War I-era document with a name of great local significance
Newspaper articles covering a devastating flood in Hatch in the early 1900s
Finally, Angelica shares what’s next for the Historical Box Project as Phase 1 wraps up and plans begin for the next stage of preserving these remarkable pieces of history.
Watch here: https://youtu.be/UjOgJWpED78
Hosted by: Bernardine Caporale, Cynthia Mendoza
Special guests: Angelica Valenzuela, Julie
Produced by: Bernardine Caporale, Cynthia Mendoza, Jacob Slaughter
Edited by: Jacob Slaughter
