"Visit Our Ancestors" Cemetery Tour May 9, 2009

Las Cruces, NM – “Visit Our Ancestors” Cemetery Tours organized by the Branigan Cultural Center travels to the community of Rincon on Saturday, May 9, 2009. The goal of the program is to increase awareness of various cultures, traditions, and history of the people who settled our region.

The Rincon Cemetery is approximately 30 miles north of Las Cruces and 5 miles east and south of Hatch. Access to the cemetery is through the north side parking lot of Rio Valley Chili Company located at intersection of Saint Elaine Road and County Road E/09 (also known as NM 140 and NM 154).

The tour includes the Rincon Cemetery, the Old Rincon Cemetery, and a scenic overlook erected by Our Lady of All Nations Catholic Mission. Over two hundred gravesites are either unmarked or have markers such as wooden crosses without legible identification.
The tour starts at 10:00 a.m. in the cemetery. Participants should allow for a 2 hour walking tour, little or no seating, over very uneven terrain, where trip hazards may exist. In addition, participants are strongly encouraged to wear sturdy walking shoes, long sleeved shirts, hats, sunscreen, and carry bottled water. There is no fee to participate. No registration is required.

Those who prefer to caravan to the cemetery should meet with Cultural Center staff in the parking lot of KMART located at HWY 70 and I-25. Caravan will depart the parking lot promptly at 9:30 a.m.

For more information about tours and other programs, contact the Branigan Cultural Center at (575) 541-2154 or visit the Center’s web site at www.las-cruces.org/museums