gadsden museum

This is a must see for local families and friends. Much of the history of New Mexico is found here with personal family experiences expressed with love and pride. Call ahead for an appointment and you will not be disappointed.

As exhibits are always changing, can routinely go and see something totally new. Pottery exhibit was amazing, give at least an hour for this. Part of the downtown experience, and if in town, First Friday of each month- night- is the Ramble where galleries are open late, serving wine and snacks. Fun evening

Curator is a nice old lady descended from the owner of the collection. Antiques, interesting nicknacks and a few gems. A 36 star flag from the old Capitol, a vitrola, and some interesting local color- including the bars from billy the kids cell. Maybe not worth it unless you are a buff or very interested in the local history.

Hello, I am a former daughter in law of Mary Alexander's, and I can tell you that she did unfortunately pass away several years ago. The lady now running the Gadsden Museum is Tancy, Mary's eldest daughter, and Tancy's son, Keith. When we would visit Mesilla from California, we would stay in the Museum, so many of it's treasures were there for us to admire at our leisure. A wonderful place to visit, don't miss it.

Stopped here after contacting Mary (who is very much alive in spite of a statement by a previous reviewer) beforehand during a 6 week trip to the Southern USA visiting as many places as possible with a Gadsden (our family name) connection. We weren't quite sure what to expect but what we did get was a wonderful insight into the history of this relatively unknown (to us in UK) part of New Mexico. There is a display of hundreds of artifacts and mementos to be seen (too many to describe but some are unique and irreplaceable) and Mary's knowledgeable stories of, and connections with, the families of Billy the Kid and Pat Garrett are a joy to listen to. We were quite enthralled and stayed well over 2 hours and were sad to leave when we did but time was not on our side. Thank you very much Mary, it was so lovely to meet you and I hope this small review will encourage others to visit.

Call ahead for an appointment, as there are no set open hours. Luckily, even though our stop there was unplanned, we called and were let right in. We found out about the place from the New Mexico welcome center on the I-10 just west of Texas. We randomly decided to stop and see the actual jail cell bars (built into a full scale replica) of the cell that housed Billy the Kid. Little did we know how many trinkets, art, and treasures would be found at Gadsden Museum.BUT NO PICTURESThe curator is a woman directly descended from the original proprietor. She was very knowledgeable and kind. I was sad to have to put my camera away for the $5 tour, but with so many things you can ONLY see there, I understand why. There is a newspaper from Lincoln's assassination, antique instruments and uniforms, hand-sewn clothing, dainty tea sets, the first African American baby doll and other special dolls, old family bibles and other religious artifacts, and the art... OH THE ART! I cannot even describe the beauty and authenticity of the beautiful paintings created by her ancestors depicting historic events and spiritual concepts. I was blown away.My sister is really not a "museum person" and she enjoyed every moment of the time-traveling experience. I am a museum lover and it surpassed my expectations. This place is amazing. Only caution - lots of things are left exposed (though you're not supposed to touch), so bringing small children may not be a good idea.It is just around the corner from La Posta de Mesilla, a wonderful restaurant. (see review)

A must see, if you can find it open. Mary died a while back and I do not know if it is open. Family history-The Fountan's

575-526-6293 call Mary. This is a fantastic old house, part of which is a crammed full museum of the history of Mesilla. The hostess lives in the house with her son, and gives tours. She has a bit of everything and tells a great story of her family history. Furniture, art, jewlery, religous artifacts, pictures, just everything. This is a special place, not the toy factory people bring kids to. While reservations are not required, an advance appointement or check, will insure you will not be disappointed. Tour is 1 1/2 hours, or to your needs. . We stayed longer, as we were fasinated. The address is 1875 W Boutz.