The history of New Mexico can be divided into three primary eras:
- A prosperous Pueblo community in the 13th century.
- Spanish conquistadors and colonists in the 16th century.
- Railroads in the twilight of the 19th century.
How Mobile Museums Came to Being?
Museums have always been the powerhouse of history; they are not just storehouses for artifacts and rare objects. Furthermore, museums and exhibits are not just for the literary intellectuals; they belong to all the people.
Unfortunately, not every student can visit a museum even if he or she wanted to, be it for financial reasons or long distance. That’s how the idea of movable museums was born.
The educational role that museums play is second only to libraries, the idea of movable museums came from the idea of movable libraries. In Victorian England, there was a need to take educational material out of libraries to reach underserved communities.
Can you imagine a better way to reach underserved audiences than to go where they are?
Whether in Recreational Vehicles (RVs) or trucks/trailers, mobile museums are helping spread the word. Teaching the people history, science, and art. Offering great experiences for all participants.
What is Van of Enchantment?
In its purest form, Van of Enchantment is a mobile museum started by New Mexico’s Department of Cultural Affairs’ (DCA). The goal is to spread arts, culture, history, and science.
The 300 square feet RV travels New Mexico carrying wisely curated exhibits to remote, underserved and under-resourced public schools (usually places with residents who have poor credit).
During the interactive exhibits, trained educators deliver rich, experiential curriculum to the eager students. Subject matters include:
- New Mexico’s history
- Native history
- Folk.
- Fine arts.
- Natural history.
- Space science.
- And more.
It’s a truly enriching experience for the students who don’t have access to DCA museums and historic sites. Students can get to learn about the history of New Mexico through an engaging way they can’t access in any other way.
