Over the years, Barelas has been affected by every major social, economic, and cultural trend that Albuquerque has undergone since its founding in 1706. It shares with other communities the advantage of being on the main thoroughfare between Chihuahua and Santa Fe – the main trading centers of a remote Spanish colony and later a Mexican territory. Under U.S. rule, the railroad replaced the Camino Real (Royal Road) as the lifeline linking New Mexico with the outside world. Again, Barelas lay in the path of this new means of travel, communication and trade, the railroad.
The collection of historical facts and photographs are drawn from hundreds of hours of research, oral history interviews and personal donations and loans from the Barelas community. This publication is part of an historical exhibition of the same name that opened at the NHCC in October of 2000 and that travels to various sites throughout New Mexico.
As a special offer on Saturday, February 20th from 10 am – 5 pm Barelas A Través de los Años will be sold for $10 for this one day in the Center’s gift shop. Also taking place at the Center on February 20th at 2 pm is the La Resolana Series “Albuquerque: Old Town vs. New Town” a free lecture comparing and contrasting the new and old parts of the Duke City exploring the effects of settlements, developments and gentrification.
The NHCC, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, is dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Hispanic art and culture at the local, state, national, and international levels.