8-20-2025 9:26pm

Tularosa Basin Historic Society Museum at 10th & White Sands Open Saturdays 10 to 4

Chris Edwards Editor

Alamogordo is fortunate to host the Tularosa Basin Museum at the corner of 10th Street and White Sands Blvd in Alamogordo. The building is an incredible Pueblo Revival building that serves as the premier research destination in the southern part of New Mexico.

The museum over the summer has witnessed a downturn of visitors on Saturdays during its operating hours of 10 am to 4 pm. A concern was raised that some visitors have had concerns with access to the museum due to protests in the area. The museum staff reminds visitors and locals that the protests on Saturdays are independent of the museum, and the museum offers free and secure parking for museum visitors.

Why is it important to vist on Saturdays and or Tuesday thru Saturdays 10 am to 4 pm?

The Plaza building is a single story "L" shaped structure of historic importance. When the building was constructed in 1938, the Plaza Oil Company, a gas station and garage, was built in the open area in front of the "L". the gas station operated until 1960 when it was demolished. Both buildings were constructed with adobe blocks made on site, the structural vigas on both buildings are timbers from the nearby Sacramento Mountains. The Plaza Building was built on the site of a former wooden structure which housed the only bar in town (known as the Pullman Saloon). The architectural style is Pueblo Revival/New Mexico vernacular, much like the WPA projects in town. Howard Beacham built the plaza as a private enterprise and operated the Plaza Café until 1946. Before building the Plaza, Mr. Beacham was elected Otero County Sheriff in 1920 and led a strong campaign against bootleggers and alcohol smugglers.

The Museum contains displays of artifacts with provenance that reflect the historical significance of the Tularosa Basin from its prehistoric beginnings, stories of the Native American population, to the more modern testing of the atomic bomb, sports relics and early school integration, to a rare 47-star American flag, details of ranching life, the military and local families of note. Lots of small-town artifacts and the interesting exhibit about the legendary Atari Tomb, a nearby landfill where approximately 792,000 Atari games, including an E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial game was dumped in the early 1980s and so much more.

Area protest leaders considerate of the museum's struggles are encouraging protesters to stage their Saturday protest on the opposite side of the museum concentrating at the Veterans Park and the Founders Park at the corner of 10th and White Sands.

The museum collection also holds personal accounts, relics and photographs of local history from around the region and more. It holds a bison trophy head, a collection of pottery from the La Luz Pottery Factory, and artifacts from prehistoric Native American tribes that were found in caves above Alamogordo. The collection includes over 3,000 historical photographs of the local area and an archive of historical documents, plus a small interactive theatre showcasing history with some films which run an average of about 5 minutes each created by area students.

The museum is the base of operations for the Tularosa Basin Historic Society which is instrumental in refurbishing the Dudley School rehabilitation. The Dudley School project is important as it will showcase the authentic celebration of history, art and culture of the Hispanic community within the area known as Chihuahuita, in the heart of Alamogordo.

Community support of the Tularosa Basin Museum located at 10th and White Sands Blvd is critical to our community success and that of the important New York Avenue arts, history and shopping district. Encourage students, families and visitors to pop into the museum Tuesdays thru Saturdays 10 am to 4 pm.

History, culture and the arts are critical to the fabric of a successful society. Lets show our support and keep history alive in Alamogordo. Let's ensure we keep the museum busy and accessible to visitors and locals alike on Saturdays 10 am to 4 pm.

A few pictures of a peak inside with groups I've personally invited with me to visit the museum but better yet check it out for yourself..