Programs & Events

Upcoming Events

Wed Oct 4, 2023
12:00 - 1:00 pm

Friends of History Wednesday ONLINE Lecture Series

Blood in the Borderlands: The Rise and Fall of Charles Bent, 1829-1847

Please join David C. Beyreis, Author, Chair of Humanities and Social Sciences, Saint Mary’s School, Raleigh, North Carolina, for an ONLINE talk as he shares the history of Charles Bent, New Mexico Governor, 1846, as part of our Friends of History ONLINE lecture series. At the time of his violent death in 1847, Charles Bent was one of the most powerful men in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands.  He first came to New Mexico in 1829 and rapidly became an economic powerbroker in the region.  Bent and his close associates used intermarriage with prominent local ...

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Fri Oct 6, 2023
5:00 - 7:00 pm

Palace Avenue First Friday Art Walk

Setting the Standard

Visit us for FREE Admission for all as we celebrate Art and History every First Friday evening of every month!

Join us tonight to view our exhibit “Setting the Standard” as we lead up to our Fred Harvey Weekend Oct. 27-29!

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Fri Oct 13, 2023
5:00 - 7:00 pm

Late Night Friday

Please join us for Late Night Friday as we offer the public the opportunity to extend their visit at the museum and explore our amazing collections, and learn more about the historic people, places, and events, that over time touched New Mexico.

Tonight’s visit is FREE TO NEW MEXICO RESIDENTS

Photo credit: Lensic Theater, San Francisco Street, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1935.

Photographer: T. Harmon Parkhurst Negative number: 051556

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Fri Oct 20, 2023
5:00 - 7:00 pm

Late Night Friday

Please join us for Late Night Friday as we offer the public the opportunity to extend their visit at the museum and explore our amazing collections, and learn more about the historic people, places, and events, that over time touched New Mexico.

Tonight’s visit is FREE TO NEW MEXICO RESIDENTS

Photo credit: Mission church at McCartys, Acoma Pueblo, New Mexico

Photographer: John Candelario, Date: 1940 - 1950?

Negative Number: 165882

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Sat Oct 21, 2023
10:00 - 4:00 pm

15th Annual Santa Fe International Film Festival

The Santa Fe International Film Festival opens Oct 18, and comes to a close Oct 22, boasting more than 300 hours of programming, more than 100 visiting filmmakers, and red-carpet premieres, the annual festival flows throughout downtown Santa Fe and its Railyard District both day and night at 6 theaters screening independent and international films, plus receptions, panels, and discussions with movie makers. Dubbed “a young Sundance” by indieWire, SFiFF presents a program of top international films, Indigenous films, USA independents, its Green Earth ...

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Sun Oct 22, 2023
10:00 - 4:00 pm

The 15th Annual Santa Fe International Film Festival

The Santa Fe International Film Festival opens Oct 18, and comes to a close Oct 22, boasting more than 300 hours of programming, more than 100 visiting filmmakers, and red-carpet premieres, the annual festival flows throughout downtown Santa Fe and its Railyard District both day and night at 6 theaters screening independent and international films, plus receptions, panels, and discussions with movie makers. Dubbed “a young Sundance” by indieWire, SFiFF presents a program of top international films, Indigenous films, USA independents, its Green Earth ...

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Fri Oct 27, 2023
12:00 - 5:00 pm

Fred Harvey History Weekend

Please join us for the annual Fred Harvey history weekend. Learn more about Fred Harvey, the Harvey Girls, Mary Colter, the Santa Fe Railroad, and their roles in the Wild West and developing New Mexico. The three-day event will include Friday and Saturday talks at the museum, a ticketed dinner and auction on Friday night at La Fonda on the Plaza, along with additional activities in Santa Fe, Belen, and Las Vegas, NM. All net proceeds will benefit the New Mexico History Museum. Pre-registration required. Limited Seating available. Pre-register and all weekend event ...

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Sat Oct 28, 2023
12:00 - 5:00 pm

Fred Harvey History Weekend

Please join us for the annual Fred Harvey history weekend. Learn more about Fred Harvey, the Harvey Girls, Mary Colter, the Santa Fe Railroad, and their roles in the Wild West and developing New Mexico. The three-day event will include Friday and Saturday talks at the museum, a ticketed dinner and auction on Friday night at La Fonda on the Plaza, along with additional activities in Santa Fe, Belen, and Las Vegas, NM. All net proceeds will benefit the New Mexico History Museum. Pre-registration required. Limited Seating available. Pre-register and all weekend event ...

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Sat Dec 9, 2023
10:00 - 4:00 pm

Native American Portal Youth Winter Show

Free Admission

Join us for the 2023 Native American Portal Artisans’ Winter Youth Show December 9th & 10th! Support the talents from the next generation of Native American artists and craftspeople. Youth artists ages five to seventeen who specialize in a variety of artistic mediums will be showcasing and selling their work in the museum’s main lobby. Enter through the main entrance at 113 Lincoln Ave. This is a free event and free admission to the entire museum for all visitors. The event fosters the development of young artists who are descendants of current Native ...

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Sun Dec 10, 2023
5:30 - 7:00 pm

Las Posadas on the Plaza

Celebrated around the world, Las Posadas recreates Mary and Joseph’s search for a place of shelter in the days leading up to the birth of Jesus. This 47th annual historic Hispanic version is presented by local volunteers and others from several northern New Mexico communities. The candle-lit procession will begin at 5:30 p.m. on the Santa Fe Plaza and conclude with carols, and good cheer.

The History Museum will close at 3pm to prepare for this free public event.

Arrive to the Plaza at 5:00pm for candle preparations.

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Sun Dec 10, 2023
10:00 - 3:00 pm

Native American Portal Youth Winter Show

Free Admission

Join us for the 2023 Native American Portal Artisans’ Winter Youth Show December 9th & 10th! Support the talents from the next generation of Native American artists and craftspeople. Youth artists ages five to seventeen who specialize in a variety of artistic mediums will be showcasing and selling their work in the museum’s main lobby. Enter through the main entrance at 113 Lincoln Ave. This is a free event and free admission to the entire museum for all visitors. The event fosters the development of young artists who are descendants of current Native ...

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Sat Dec 16, 2023
11:00 - 4:00 pm

Museum Holiday Open House

Free Admission

Please join the New Mexico History Museum, the Museum of Art, and the Friends of History to celebrate the holiday season with a combined open house event. Along with music, crafts, and holiday cheer, we encourage you to weave through the history of New Mexico and enjoy fabulous art in our gallery exhibitions.

Museums are open 10-5pm, and events are scheduled from 11-4pm.

Complimentary admission to both museums for this special day! 

Schedule of events to follow.

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Sat Dec 16, 2023
5:30 - 7:30 pm

Holidays at the Palace

A free Santa Fe community favorite since 1982

Now in its 41st year, Santa Fe’s beloved Holidays at the Palace brings communities together for an evening of holiday live music, a chance to operate an antique printing press, old fashioned activities, and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus -- all in the legendary magic of the Palace of the Governors and Courtyard.

A free, family event. (Donations of non-perishable food welcomed.)

Enter through the Palace of the Governors at 105 W. Palace Ave. The History Museum will remain closed during this free public evening event.

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Featured Exhibitions