Western Institute for Lifelong Learning talk focuses on mining ghost town near Hachita, NM

SILVER CITY, N.M. – Dr. Neal Ackerly will speak on the mining ghost town near our southern border known as Hachita where turquoise, ore, and rough justice combined for a potent story that strikes at the heart of western settlement. This talk will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13, at the Silco Theater in Silver City, NM.

The event is co-sponsored by the Silver City Museum and the Western Institute for Lifelong Learning. It will also be presented in a virtual platform on Zoom, where questions and commentary will be relayed to presenters and the live audience in real time. To register on Zoom go to www.SilverCityMuseum.Org and click on Programs & Events, go to will.community/#/lunchlearn, or register directly to attend online at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/9716361377284/WN_CatV1lU_R5Klv6osJqNwNg.

Mining in the Old Hachita district began as early as 1871 and accelerated throughout the late nineteenth century. The initial focus was on extracting turquoise, but operations quickly shifted to an emphasis on gold and silver.

Mining activities severely contracted following the Panic of 1893, limped along through the early 20th century, and eventually failed due to multiple factors. This presentation will examine the appearance, expansion, and eventual contraction of mining and the community of Old Hachita, based largely on period newspaper accounts.

For the past 25 years, Dr. Ackerly has been actively involved in anthropology and archeology studies of land and water use systems in the Southwest. He claims to be nearly retired.

The Silver City Museum creates opportunities for residents and visitors to explore, understand, and celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of southwestern New Mexico by collecting, preserving, researching, and interpreting the region's unique history. It is nationally recognized through its accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums.

Based out of Silver City, WILL (the Western Institute for Lifelong Learning) is an intentional community fostering friendships, challenging the mind, body and spirit, and exploring creativity and self-expression. They offer experiences in lifelong learning and opportunities for volunteering that optimize life’s potential, satisfy personal curiosities, and enrich members' lives.

For more information on this or other programs, contact education@silvercitymuseum.org ; to volunteer, contact volunteermanager@silvercitymuseum.org; to join the Silver City Museum Society, contact membership@silvercitymuseumsociety.org.

For all of the above and more, visit www.silvercitymuseum.org or call the main office at 575-388-5921.

This article originally appeared on Deming Headlight: WILL talk focuses on mining ghost town near Hachita, NM