The New Mexico History Museum is pleased to present Curative Powers: New Mexico’s Hot Springs, a photographic history of our state’s many hot springs. This exhibition explores well-known resorts as well as lesser-known hot springs. Ponce de Leon, Montezuma, and Faywood are a few among many areas whose history will be addressed. The nearly 90 photographs range from the late 19th century through the 1980s and document the evolution of how many of these springs were used and developed. Museum visitors will also see the stark change in how people dressed (or not) when they visited and enjoyed these hot springs. New Mexico attracted many people seeking respite from tuberculosis and other ailments, and they typically frequented hot springs to aid in this relief. Opening Friday, March 18, the exhibition runs until September 4, 2022.
Alicia M. Romero, Curator of the exhibition and NMHM’s Curator of Nuevomexicano/a History, explains, “Exploring the history of New Mexico’s vast hot springs provides us an opportunity to explore how land ownership, capitalism, and health tourism helped shape this natural phenomenon into a burgeoning business venture.”