SchoolArts Room

El Rancho de las Golondrinas: Santa Fe, New Mexico

By Nancy Walkup, posted on Feb 8, 2016

El Rancho de las Golondrinas is a living history museum located on 200 acres in a rural farming valley just south of Santa Fe, New Mexico. The museum, dedicated to the history, heritage and culture of 18th and 19th century New Mexico, opened in 1972. 



 
Hornos (outdoor ovens)
Original colonial buildings on the site date from the early 1700s. In addition, historic buildings from other parts of northern New Mexico have been reconstructed at Las Golondrinas. 
 
Kiva fireplace
Ox cart
Schoolhouse
Chapel
Vertical loom
Villagers clothed in the styles of the times show how life was lived on the frontier in early New Mexico. Special festivals and events offer visitors an in-depth look into the celebrations, music, dance and many other aspects of life in the Spanish, Mexican and Territorial periods of the Southwest. 
 
Bed over fireplace
Spanish style loom
Morada
El Rancho de las Golondrinas is one of our destinations on SchoolArts/CRIZMAC's Tres Culturas: Exploring the Artistic Spirit of Santa Fe, July 13–19, 2016. All are welcome to join us. 
 
Early furnishings
Country store
Tres Culturas is designed to help travelers explore and understand the diversity of New Mexico’s artistic heritage from ancient times to the present. Highlights in addition to El Rancho de las Golondrinas include a tour of Georgia O’Keeffe’s home in Abiquiu, a visit to Taos Pueblo (also designated a UNESCO World Heritage site), a visit to Roxanne Swentzell’s Tower Gallery, and much more.
 
Courtyard
School desks
Living history volunteer
Our other offering for summer 2016 is Folk Art and Culture of Oaxaca, Mexico, June 26–July 2, 2016

Oaxaca City, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987, is rich with historic colonial architecture, exquisite museums, and vibrant folk-art traditions. In addition to exploring the amenities of the city, you will visit thriving folk-art villages where talented artists create fabulous wood carvings, textiles, and pottery. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the homes of master Zapotec and Mixe artists to watch them demonstrate and discuss the techniques and traditions that make their work so special. Opportunities to immerse yourself in the rich history and traditions through visits to museums and the stunning archaeological site of Monte Alban will deepen your understanding of the native people. Your tour leaders, Nancy Walkup and Stevie Mack, will provide an intimate and rewarding travel experience. The magic of Oaxaca is guaranteed to inform your art and capture your soul.