Miami Street Exhibit Unveiled at Tularosa Basin Museum Honors Legacy of Black Community in Alamogordo

Alamogordo, NM -  This past Saturday, the Tularosa Basin Museum of History unveiled “Miami Street Experience Exhibit.”  The exhibit highlighted a street “Where Everyone Belonged,” a powerful new exhibit honoring the vibrant legacy of Alamogordo’s historic mid-century Black neighborhood. The exhibit, curated with love and memory, celebrates many of the families who built a community rooted in faith, resilience, and joy.

A Street That Raised Generations

Miami Street was more than pavement—it was a playground, a sanctuary, and a school of life. Children played basketball and kickball under the watchful eyes of every parent. Sharon McDonald’s mother joined the games herself, raising nine children in a home filled with laughter and grace. Sherrie Edmonds’ mother upgraded to a brick house on the street - a symbol of pride and permanence.

Families That Shaped the Soul of the Street

The exhibit features a tapestry of families whose stories shaped the neighborhood’s spirit just a few highlighted include:

• Rev. and Mrs. Theodore Holly

• Malvin and Rosa Lee

• Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Sasher

• Rev. Harrison and Lullaby Nesby

• Mr. and Mrs. Tootsie Harris

• Margaret Lee Avery

• Sherrie Holland Edmond and her mother

• Mr. Archie Bouie

• Mr. and Mrs. Jessie Bouie

• Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Holloway

• Mr. and Mrs. Nassar Mughni

• Clifford and Pauline Holland

These families are just a few of the several highlighted that nurtured a culture of care, where every child was known, every story shared, and every door open. The Harris family taught tomboys refinement and hosted Sunday evening Bible studies. Sherrie’s mother, now 96, was present to christen the exhibit—her legacy etched into the walls.

From Miami Street to Master’s Degrees

The exhibit also honors the academic and professional achievements of its residents. Lawrence Johnson who would later become Alamogordo High School’s first African American Athlete Director, Fred Boyce, Lavone Coleman, and many others were expected to attend college—and most did. Ethel Simon earned her master’s degree in Las Cruces and became a pioneering example for the neighborhood in education and community service.

A Living Legacy and What’s Next

Mayor Pro Tem Sharon McDonald, who helped spearhead the creation of the exhibit with Sherrie Holland Edmond, emphasized the importance of preserving this history. “Miami Street is a living archive of strength, unity, and generational pride,” she said. Her efforts also include restoring the Dudley School, built in 1914 for transitioning non-English-speaking and minority children, which recently hosted its first event in decades.

The celebration of new exhibits and expanded offerings to a more diverse audience continues with the upcoming Night at the Museum, a community gathering that will feature storytelling, music, and reflections on the artistic and historical contributions of Alamogordo’s diverse neighborhoods. The event promises to deepen the emotional resonance of the exhibit and invite new voices into the ongoing narrative.

Come and join, Thursday, October 25, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, join 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, 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.

More 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.

Additional exhibits will be announced at the event, with museum staff and volunteers on hand to guide visitors through the new installations.

As families and friends reunite around this shared history, the “Miami Street Experience” stands as a testament to the enduring power of community—where silence held stories, and joy was found in the everyday.

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