New Mexico Historic Sites | October 2025

From the desk of Anne McCudden, Executive Director, New Mexico Historic Sites

Glimpse of Life on the Reservation: Throughout the Months of October and early November

This program creates meaningful connections between students and the history of Fort Sumner, the first inhabitants of the reservation, and the harsh living conditions they endured. The program is delivered through a two-part program. The first component is designed for 6th-8th grade students and includes seven engaging activities from weaving on a cardboard loom to making adobe bricks and baking hard tack, students get to experience what life was like on the reservation through interactive learning.

The second component is an in-person version designed for 9th-12th grade students offering four exciting activities, including adobe brick making, cooking with rations over a campfire, shelter building, and a reflective activity. These hands-on experiences provide a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those living on the reservation.