It's 1983 and I've come to New Mexico because my father is ill. We have him settled in and I'm getting ready to go back to Maryland, pack up my home and move to New Mexico.
I'm going to need a job. Checking the classifieds, I come on an ad asking for someone who could type, was good on the telephone, was well organized (I was in those days) and interested in history, reading and research.
They must have known I was coming.
Unfortunately, they wanted a resume and a short typed cover letter. I had no resume handy, and my typewriter was in Maryland.
I sent them a lengthy handwritten letter explaining my situation and giving them a rough idea of my background and some local character references, promising more as soon as I got myself moved to Farmington.
I was extremely flattered when they called me as soon as they got my letter — while I was still in the area. We had a quick interview and came to an understanding before I left. When I got myself moved, I had a job as weekend receptionist at Salmon Ruins.
Jo Davenport Smith was the director, and the heart and soul of Salmon Ruins. In addition to Jo, I worked with Dolores Glass and Ouida Steward.
Larry Baker has been the director since 1993 and says he considers it a
Salmon Ruins offers a variety of programs. The research library is a treasure, and the museum itself and the gift shop are real treats, widely expanded since my first days there.
A visit to the original Pioneer Homestead of the Salmon family gives a hint of the difference in lifestyle a century ago. It is part of Heritage Park, representing 10,000 years of different cultures in the area, a trip through history.
Larry and I talked about volunteers to help keep all the programs going. He indicated those on board were invaluable, but he could certainly use more. He particularly praised the dedication of Victor Boulanger who comes in faithfully every Wednesday to work as a docent and at the reception desk.
Larry also had praise for the 17 members of his loyal board of directors, four of them new this year. It is "a great working board, and we have a wonderful relationship," Larry said.
David Casey, the board president, was called "a perfect choice" for that office. Among other notable achievements, he applied for and received a grant from Save America's Treasures, which gave them a chance to, in Larry's words, "jump start the curation process."
David is described as friendly, interested and very involved with the library. In particular, he is an authority on the Hadlock Collection of Rock Art, which focuses on early Navajo culture. This is being organized and digitized in collaboration with the San Juan County Archaeology Research Center and Library, the American Rock Art Research Association and Salmon Ruins.
Diane Hayden served as a volunteer for years. The organization decided they "couldn't live without her," and she now works for Salmon Ruins as their business manager.
Board members Cleo Barnes and her daughter, Andrea Greenacre, working with education coordinator and formal curator, Nancy Espinoza, are contributing their time to help with the curation process. Among other things, this involves cataloging and working on repackaging artifacts in order to improve preservation techniques.
More volunteers are needed in this area. There are thousands of artifacts to deal with, and interns to help with this work would be a great benefit. They would not be paid, but would receive training which could be a valuable step up if they decided on a career in archaeology.
In addition to curation, volunteers are needed for grounds maintenance and help in the library. Also, this year there are plans to build a Pueblo I style home in the Heritage Park. Young people are encouraged to sign up for the work, which is expected to take a week.
If history, reading and research are your thing, call Salmon Ruins to see where you are needed. They are located at 6131 U.S. Highway 64, between Farmington and Bloomfield, and can be reached at (505) 632-2013, or check out their Web site, www.salmonruins.com.
Margaret Mathers is a senior copy editor at The Daily Times. She can be reached at mmathers@daily-times.com
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