Reflections on History

"Reflections on History"

April 15, 2024  through May 1, 2025

New Mexico History Museum, Palace of the Governors, Room 2

“Reflections on History” challenges visitors to transcend the boundary between past and present in this immersive installation at the New Mexico History Museum. Beginning with consideration of one’s own reflection, viewers contemplate historic photographs superimposed on 18 mirrored surfaces. Prompted by information about each image, visitors are encouraged to recognize themselves, loved ones, and neighbors in the faces of New Mexico’s past people as they shift their focus from photo to reflection and back again. 

Drawn from the Museum’s vast collection of photographs, the exhibit embodies the Museum’s commitment to inclusion and relevance by featuring New Mexicans of many backgrounds in a variety of eras, circumstances, and activities–a reminder of the differences and commonalities we all share with one another. The exhibit is accessible to visitors who are blind or have low vision, featuring Braille and large print gallery guides; 3-D audio and tactile elements are coming in fall 2024. 

By combining non-traditional techniques with a thought-provoking concept, this exhibit encourages everyone to actively participate in understanding and shaping the narrative of New Mexico’s past, present, and future.

Image Credit: Frank Buck with his dog, mining area of Hillsboro and Kingston, New Mexico. Circa 1885 - 1892. J.C. Burge, photographer. Palace of the Governors Photo Archives (NMHM/DCA). Negative Number 076647