Alamogordo NM
10-18-2025 8:27am

Join Saturday 2 pm Alamogordo Honors Black Legacy with New Museum Exhibits on Miami Street Experience

In a powerful tribute to Alamogordo’s multicultural heritage, the Tularosa Basin Museum of History unveils two  new exhibition on Saturday, October 18, 2025: Black History in the Basin and The Miami Street Legacy. The launch event, to be held from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, welcomes families, historians, and community members to celebrate the stories that shaped and continue to shape the city’s identity.

The exhibitions spotlight the arrival and settlement of Black families in the Tularosa Basin, and Alamogirdo many of whom established roots in the Miami Street corridor and the adjacent Chihuahuita neighborhood. These areas became cultural strongholds during the early 20th century, offering refuge and resilience amid southern segregation and systemic barriers. Families built homes, churches, and businesses, forming a vibrant community that contributed to Alamogordo’s growth and character.

Miami Street: A Living Archive of Community Strength

The Miami Street Legacy exhibit was conceived by Mayor Pro Tem Sharon McDonald, a deeply passionate Alamogordo resident and civic leader who serves as Mayor Pro Tempore and is a candidate fir mayor. Her vision was to preserve and elevate the stories of families who lived along Miami Street—many of whom were Black pioneers navigating a  formerly racially divided city. “Miami Street is more than a location,” McDonald said. “It’s a living archive of strength, unity, and generational pride.”

McDonald’s advocacy for historical preservation includes serving on the board of the Tularosa Basin Historic Society and championing the restoration of the Dudley School, originally built in 1914 as a transitional facility for non-English-speaking and minority children. The school’s revival as a community center stands as a symbol of reclaiming history and honoring the educational of Alamogordo’s diverse communities. The building just launched it's very first event this last week since rehabilitation began. It hosted the state conference of New Mexico MainStreet with 130 community leaders fron across joining. 

Chihuahuita: The Barrio That Birthed a Movement

Adjacent to Miami Street, the Chihuahuita neighborhood—often referred to as Alamogordo’s barrio—was historically home to both Hispanic and Black families. It served as a spiritual and cultural center, despite being segregated from other parts of the city. As a result of limiting home ownership of those of color to this neighborhood it grew into a neighborhood rich in culture and deep family history that rins deep even today. Events like “Chihuahuita Proud,” held during Cinco de Mayo, continue to celebrate the neighborhood’s legacy and its role in shaping Alamogordo’s identity. 

The museum’s new exhibits feature oral histories, photographs, and artifacts that trace the migration of Black families and all families to the region, their contributions to civic life, and their enduring impact on education, faith, and public service. Visitors are invited to engage with these stories and reflect on the shared history that binds Alamogordo’s diverse communities.

A Call to Remember and Reconnect

Saturday’s launch 2 pm to 4 pm is not just a museum event—it is a reunion. Families gathering to honor ancestors, share memories, and reaffirm their place in the city’s evolving narrative as it continues to evolve block by block.

The Tularosa Basin Historical Society encourages residents and visitors alike to explore the exhibits and participate in ongoing efforts to document and celebrate Alamogordo’s multicultural roots Satuday from 2 to 4 pm and fir the upcoming Night at the Museum.

Night at the Museum October 25th

The Tularosa Basin Museum of History is opening its doors for a special evening of community, culture, and celebration on Thursday, October 25, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, inviting residents and visitors alike to experience “A Night at the Museum”—a family-friendly event that blends historical discovery with sweet treats and interactive fun.

Admission to the museum is free on the 25th, and all ages are welcome.

Ice Cream Social

Yummy, the museum’s Ice Cream Social will be held within the exhibits. Pricing is modest: $2 per individual or $5 per family, covering the ice cream, entry into the museum is frer for the evening. Guests are encouraged to bring friends and neighbors to enjoy a scoop while exploring the museum’s newest offerings.

Scavenger Hunt, Book Sale, and More

Inside the museum, guests can participate in a scavenger hunt designed to engage visitors with the museum’s exhibits and artifacts. A book sale will feature local history titles, rare finds, and educational materials curated by the Tularosa Basin Historical Society.

New Exhibits Launching October 25

This year’s “Night at the Museum” also marks the unveiling of several new exhibits that deepen the museum’s commitment to inclusive storytelling and regional pride:

Miami Street Legacy: Curated with the assistance of Mayor Pro Temp Sharon McDonald and others is a tribute to the businesses, families, and cultural shifts that shaped one of Alamogordo’s most storied corridors the inner city of Alamogordo - now on the rebound.

• Black History in the Basin: Honoring the contributions, resilience, and legacy of Black residents and leaders across Otero County thru today.

• Tularosa, La Luz, and Cloudcroft: A multi-community showcase highlighting the unique histories and shared heritage of these neighboring towns.

• Governor Miguel A. Otero: A deep dive into the life and impact of New Mexico’s 16th territorial governor, whose legacy helped shape the state’s political and cultural landscape.

Sources:

2nd Life Med...2nd Life Media Alamogordo Town News – Chihuahuita Proud

Sharon McDonald – City Commissioner for District 5

Tularosa Basin Historic Society Release

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