Albuquerque, NM – The Pueblo House at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center re-opens April 20th in a public ceremony to celebrate its long awaited expansion.
 
Formerly known as the “Pueblo House Children’s Museum,” the tiny adobe structure located in Albuquerque’s north valley at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, housed a collection of educational exhibits of Pueblo history and culture that have been seen and touched by generations of children  since it opened in 1977.
 
Now, future generations can look forward to visiting the Pueblo House with its new classroom, which will cater to adults and children by providing an interactive experience to teach them about Pueblo people and culture.
The new 1,000 sq. ft. expansion includes classroom space, kitchen, restroom, heating and refrigeration all in a separate structure that creates a semi-enclosed plaza area adjacent to the existing adobe Pueblo House. Interior improvements to the existing Pueblo House will roll out in the coming months.
 
In addition to physical expansion comes educational program expansion such as, “Dig It” a summer camp for children ages 10 to 12 years-old who will explore traditional Pueblo agriculture and foodways. Other programs to be held in the classroom include hands-on workshops with artists, informative presentations on Pueblo culture and history and storytelling.
 
Museum Director, Dr. Cynthia L. Chavez said, “The expansion provides IPCC staff with resources to broaden our educational objectives and to make the Pueblo House an active part of IPCC programming. We also look forward to improving the interactive experience of the existing Pueblo House in the coming months.”
 
The bulk of funding for the new building and improvements to the existing structure  came from the New Mexico State Legislature who specifically designated $125,000 toward the project.  Albuquerque-based architect, Rick Bennett, donated his services and resources for the design and construction was done by Dennis Chavez from D. Francis Construction, also an Albuquerque firm.  The original Pueblo House was built with federal 1976 bicentennial monies.
The public is welcome to the re-opening festivities from 11 am to 5 pm.  There will be a traditional “Pueblo Throw” at 12 noon.
 
The Pueblo House is part of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, owned and operated by the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico and located at 2401 12th St. NW, Albuquerque, NM.  For more information on this and other events call 505-843-7270.