Historical Society for Southeast New Mexico, Inc.

Origin of the Historical Society

by Roger K. Burnett

The origin of the Society goes back many years to 1907 when a meeting was held to organize the Old Settlers' Society of Chaves County. That group's main activity was the Old Settlers' Day that became known as Old Timers' Day. Later, the group evolved into the Chaves County Archaeological and Historical Society. Accrued artifacts began to be exhibited in one case in the public library building. Since the community's pioneers were the ones most interested in the group and its collection, pioneers were the focus for the exhibits. In 1930, the Society became an auxiliary of the state museum and the display cases in the library multiplied.

Through the years, the Society had many changes in location, membership and active interest. Eventually "Archeological" was dropped from its name.

When the White heirs donated their family home in 1976, the Historical Society of Southeast New Mexico finally had a home for its acquired historical collection, including documents, and the White family had a lasting memorial to the memory of their parents, James Phelps White and Lou Tomlinson White.

We are a non-profit organization, therefore we receive no funds from the city, state or federal governments. We exist solely on membership dues, fund-raisers and donations.