Exhibit of the Month

A broad display of artifacts, documents, and objects that trace the cultural, economic, and social development of the Tularosa Basin — from early settlement through the 20th century. These exhibits showcase the daily life of residents, community growth, ranching, farming, railroads, lumbering, and other local industries.

The museum includes exhibits that interpret the influence of military installations in the region, reflecting the long‑standing presence and impact of defense activity in and around the Tularosa Basin since World War II: World War II, Military Expansion, White Sands & Holloman Air Force Base History. Military memorabilia and stories connected to regional defense, aircraft, and soldiers from the basin.

One of the museum’s highlights is a vast visual archive of over 3,000 historical photographs documenting people, places, and events in the Tularosa Basin and Otero County. These images provide a rich visual narrative of the region’s past.

A dedicated display highlighting ceramics from the historic La Luz Pottery Factory showcasing representative pottery pieces, tiles, and information about the factory’s production from 1930–1949.

This section presents tools, pottery shards, and archaeological finds from Native American cultures that lived in the Tularosa Basin before European settlement.

A research library and archive open to the public, offering access to historical records, manuscripts, local newspapers, family histories, maps, and other reference materials valuable to researchers, genealogists, and history enthusiasts.

Recorded interviews with longtime residents give personal insight into regional history, from ranching and community life to military bases and cultural change over the decades.

47‑Star U.S. Flag: A rare flag created in anticipation of New Mexico being the 47th state. one of only a handful known to exist. Additional memorabilia relating to Otero County’s civic life, natural history, and regional milestones.