“Deeply Rooted: Stories from Stahmann Farms” opens at Branigan Cultural Center

The Branigan Cultural Center’s new exhibit, “Deeply Rooted: Stories from Stahmann Farms,” featuring the stories and memories of families who lived and worked on Stahmann Farms in the Mesilla Valley, will open Friday, June 6, and runs through Saturday, October 4, 2025.

The opening reception for “Deeply Rooted” is scheduled for 5-7 p.m. Friday, June 6, at Branigan Cultural Center.

Between 1950-1990, Stahmann Farms was a self-sustaining company and community of eleven ranches that included worker housing, a company store and gas station, and a health clinic. While much has been documented about the Stahmann Farms and family, little has been recorded about the families who played an important role in the business’ success by working the land and processing plants.

The “Deeply Rooted” exhibit corrects that lack by presenting stories of the workers and what it was like to live and work on the farms, the treatment of workers and raising children within the company-run communities.

The exhibit features oral histories, family photographs and personal items that present an intimate story of these men, women and children.

The exhibit was curated by Dr. Blanca Araujo, Director of the Teacher Education Program at New Mexico State University. Araujo lived at Stahmann Farms through most of her childhood.

The Branigan Cultural Center, 501 N. Main St., is open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. There is no admission charge. The museum is accessible from Roadrunner Transit Route 1, Stop 1.

For more information visit the Las Cruces Museums online or call (575) 541-2154, TTY 711.