The Branigan Cultural Center is seeking community input for an upcoming exhibition about the history of aviation in Las Cruces and the surrounding area. This exhibition will examine over 100 years of aviation history, both military and civilian, starting with the introductory use of military airplanes in 1916 after the Columbus Raid by Pancho Villa, through World War II bombing training grounds and air mechanic training, and into the post-war civilian flying boom.
In order to tell this story more broadly, we are encouraging community members who were involved in these aviation-related events, or had family members who were, to share their stories and information with museum staff. Specifically, we are looking at topics such as: WWII air mechanic training at New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts (now NMSU), Las Cruces airports, crop dusting, local flying services and airlines, flying enthusiast groups, and prominent individuals in local aviation.
For more information or to share your story, contact Museum Curator Jennifer McClung, jmcclung@las-cruces.org, or call (575) 541-2221.
The Branigan Cultural Center is currently closed for scheduled maintenance. For additional information, visit the website at https://www.las-cruces.org/1523/Museums or call 575/541-2137. The Las Cruces Museums continue to offer exhibit information and virtual programming online through social media at Facebook.com/LCMuseums or Instagram.com/LCMuseums.