Time Travel and Travel Time

From Caroline Dechert, Librarian & Archivist

Continuing our trip through time, we venture to opening day in 1953. We haven't (yet) identified the original photographer who captured proof that parking on Opening Day was a challenge. In those days, there was no beautiful approach through Milner Plaza. Visitors drove right up the dirt lot in front of the museum entrance - if they were lucky enough to find a space!

Soon, the Museum had a special vehicle of its own. Again, we don't know the name of the original photographer, and we can't be exactly sure of the date, but thanks to the hand-painted lettering on its side, we know whose truck this is:

From 1957 through 1973 the traveling exhibit van of the Museum of International Folk Art ventured throughout the state with exhibits for both adults and children. Exhibits included:

1.    Introduction to Folk Art
    1957-1958

2.    Costumes from Around the World
    1958-1959

3.    Man the Hunter (Arctic and Tropical)
    1961-1962

4.    Indian Art of the Americas
    1958-1959
    Children's Unit
    
5.    Tools and Woodworking of Spanish New Mexico
    1962-1963
    Children's Unit

6.    Climate of Man's Living
    1963-1964
    Children's Unit

7.    Desert People
    1964-1965
    Children's Unit

8.    The Idea of Folk Art
    1964-1965
    Adult Unit

9.    The Reindeer Followers
    1966-1967
    Adult Unit

10.    Magic and Medicine in Folk Art
    1967-1968
    Adult Unit

11.    People at the Top of the World
    1967-1969
    Children's Unit

12.    Mountain Folk of the Southern Appalachians
    Fall 1968-1969
    Adult Unit

13.    The Old in the New
    1965-1966
    Adult Unit

14.    Adornment, the Image Maker
    1969-1970
    Adult Unit

15.    Durable Metal, Timeless Art
    1970-1971
    Adult Unit

16.    Sculpture in the Southwest
    1971-1972
    Adult Unit

17.    Hats, Helmets and Crowns
    1969-1971
    Children's Unit

18.    Horses and Horsemen in the Southwest
    1971-1973
    Children's Unit