Saving and Sharing New Mexico history and traditions is the focus of the new manager of Coronado-Jemez Historic Sites.

December 5th, 2023

Saving and Sharing New Mexico history and traditions is the focus of the new manager of Coronado-Jemez Historic Sites.

SANTA FE, NM – Katrina Gallegos just started as manager of Coronado-Jemez Historic Site, but she already knows her “stuff” about the state’s history and traditions by growing up here and playing an active role in preserving and protecting the land. Gallegos’ first day on the job was November 27th but her life has been intertwined with the land and its people since birth.

Gallegos is from the Cinco Puntos/Atrisco neighborhood in Albuquerque’s South Valley. She’s no city girl though, serving as a water commissioner helping farmers and ranchers in the Ranchos de Atrisco/Armijo Acequia with the South Valley Regional Acequia Association. She understands protecting the land, the water, and the people make this state great. Katrina still walks the ditch banks of the acequias with her mother and nephew admiring the beauty of the countryside and the noisy Sandhill Cranes that make life unique and worth preserving.

Katrina graduated from UNM with a BA in Spanish and is a Ronald E. McNair Scholar who conducted research on the shared folkloric music found in New Mexico and Northern Mexico. She knows New Mexico’s heart and wants to preserve and promote the unique and often complex cultural histories found in the state. After graduating from UNM, Gallegos earned her MA in Museum Studies at Baylor University in Waco, Texas and started searching for positions where she could preserve and promote history and culture. “When I saw the position at Coronado and Jemez, I knew it aligned with my goal of promoting New Mexican history,” said Gallegos. “In this position I aim to be a steward who enthusiastically serves while creating an environment that encourages curiosity while having fun. I look forward to working with the staff of Coronado-Jemez, the Coronado-Jemez Friends Group, and local leaders. I also hope to build relationships with the communities of Bernalillo, Jemez, greater Albuquerque and Rio Rancho.”

"Katrina is coming on board just in time for our biggest event of the year, Lights of Gisewa on December 8th and 9th at Jemez Historic Site!” said Matthew Barbour the Deputy Director of New Mexico Historic Sites. “We encourage everyone to come out, enjoy the event and welcome her to new home!"