OAS | March 2024

Governor Lujan Grisham with Dr. John Taylor-Montoya and Family

The Museum of New Mexico Foundation held a special welcome party for the Office of Archaeological Studies’ new Executive Director, Dr. John Taylor-Montoya on February 29. Guests included donors, Friends of Archaeology Board Members, Foundation Trustees and state staff and volunteers. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham also stopped by to welcome Dr. Taylor-Montoya and his family. It was a really special evening of connection and enthusiasm for the state archaeology office and all that lies in it’s future.

In other news, the Office of Archaeological Studies has been approved for one new full-time employee in the 2024 legislative budget. This position will go towards education, meaning Educational Coordinator Chinara Lucero will now be a permanent state-funded employee. We would like to thank the Department of Cultural Affairs, the legislative body and our Governor for the support. We look forward to continuing to fundraise to support Chinara and her growing educational programming efforts.