S5 Hispanic Heritage

2008 Hispanic Heritage Celebration at the Center

Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008

Karen Taschek reads excerpts from her new book "Hanging with Bats" and discusses her book, and bats, with those attending the book signing.

Book signing at the Center . . .

"Hanging with Bats" by author Karen Taschek

Barbara Bilbo demonstrates food, cooking implements, medicines, and other items used on the trail in frontier days.

Richard Rumpf, master blacksmith from ZW's Gallery (Nogal, NM)demonstrates the skills to fashion a piece of metal into almost anything.

Abigail "Abbey" Acosta demonstrates fine needlework using the traditional colcha embroidery stitch - keeping a centuries-old heritage alive.

Cecilia Baca works on another colcha being made for Nuestra Senora del Socorro - the 1600s mission in Socorro (today's San Miguel church).

Mike Bilbo in period dress typical in New Mexico during the 1600s. Mike is one of the reenactors from La Sociedad de la Entrada. He got plenty of help demonstrating early Spanish headgear and weapons (right).

Albert Gallegos, the New Mexico Ambassador to Spain, explains the production of the documentary film "El Camino." The movie was filmed in Spain, Mexico and New Mexico. Everyone agreed it was a well produced and touching story.

Mike Marshall, noted archaeologist, captivated the audience with stories, photos and archaeological information on El Camino Real. Marshall has spent years of field work investigating the trail -- and the native Piro Indian culture that once thrived along the Rio Grande in Socorro County.

Sheri Armijo presents the colcha made for El Camino Real International Heritage Center. The gift was accepted by Foundation presidentPaul Harden. The beautiful colcha will be framed and displayed in the Center.

Plenty of information on the Center and the trail was available at the Foundation table.

Paul Harden displays the colcha that was hand embroidered by (l-r) Sheri Armijo, Cecilia Baca, Erlinda Acosta, Abigail Acosta,and Wrenetta Greene.

Nachin Bone, Genevive Martinez, Ann Sullivan, and Joanne Wade (not shown) also assisted in the embroidery.

Many thanks for the beautiful gift to the Center!

Abigail Acosta, Wrenetta Green and Sheri Armijo demonstrating their skills at the colcha table. Popular in colonial New Mexico, a colcha can be a coverlet to large bed coverings.