NNMC Hosts Mesa Prieta Petroglyph Project’s 25th Anniversary Celebration

Northern New Mexico College (NNMC) proudly hosted the Mesa Prieta Petroglyph Project’s 25th anniversary celebration on September 13-14, 2024. The event brought together community leaders, project founders, and passionate advocates to commemorate two and a half decades of remarkable efforts in preserving and protecting one of New Mexico's most significant archaeological treasures.

Mesa Prieta, located in the Española Valley, is home to an estimated 100,000 petroglyphs dating back centuries, making it one of the largest collections of its kind in North America. Since its founding in 1999, the project has been dedicated to three key goals: documenting as many petroglyphs and archaeological features as possible, educating the public about the cultural significance of the mesa, and safeguarding the site for future generations.

In his opening remarks, one speaker captured the collective sentiment of the gathering, stating, “We all know, deep down, that this is a place that is significant and important.” Attendees listened to powerful personal memories and reflected on the milestones achieved by the project, while a series of breathtaking photographs displayed the incredible rock art preserved through these efforts.

NNMC President Hector Balderas Commends Preservation Efforts

NNMC President Hector Balderas addressed the attendees, offering heartfelt congratulations to the Mesa Prieta Petroglyph Project. “I want to congratulate and really celebrate this wonderful gathering for 25 years of amazing preservation and protection,” he said. “Just know that I’m not only your ally; I’m a fan of the legacy work that’s been going on for years and years and years.”

President Balderas also highlighted NNMC’s strategic partnership with the project, which offers dual credit opportunities for local youth through the Summer Youth Internship Program. Through this collaboration, students gain hands-on experience in archaeology and cultural preservation while earning college credit. Last summer, 17 students successfully completed the program, further strengthening the connection between the college and the community’s preservation efforts.

Mesa Prieta’s Legacy of Preservation and Education

The Mesa Prieta Petroglyph Project was founded with a clear mission: to record the petroglyphs and archaeological features, educate the public about their significance, and protect these cultural treasures. Over the past 25 years, the project has trained hundreds of volunteers and interns to document the petroglyphs, ensuring that the stories they tell are preserved for future generations.

In addition to documentation efforts, the project has led public tours and educational programs aimed at increasing awareness of New Mexico’s rich cultural history. Through collaborations with organizations such as NNMC, the project has expanded its reach, offering invaluable opportunities for students and researchers alike.

As the anniversary celebration drew to a close, attendees left inspired by the project’s enduring legacy and the continued collaboration between NNMC and Mesa Prieta. With preservation, education, and community at the forefront, the next 25 years promise to be as impactful as the first.