An Adventure Thro Roosevelt County Historical Museum Founded in 1940, the Roosevelt County Historical Museum is located on the north end of campus across from the Administration Building. All items and displays have been donated by Roosevelt County residents, and upon entering the museum, visitors are immediately swept backward in time to the early life and times of the county’s residents. The displays reflect the 12,000-year history using antique furniture and an Edison phonograph, as well as the technology of the past as evidenced by the printing press pictured to the left, patented in 1899, and a medical instrument collection. There is clothing and equipment from local ranches including a peanut roaster from the 1890s, examples of old typewriters, cash registers and sewing machines, and a dentist’s office. The museum also owns one of the few examples of a 47-star United States flag.
Gennaro Natural History Museum Written by Dr. Ken Cradock, Chair of the Department of Biology This live-animal exhibit was originally developed by Dr. Anthony ‘Tony’ Gennaro and was housed in the basement of Roosevelt Science Center. It’s popularity with students and the public grew rapidly and it moved to the first floor, where there was more room and easier access. Today the museum houses both live animals and preserved specimen exhibits. The emphasis is on the fauna found in the eastern New Mexico to west Texas region, allowing visitors to see some of the wildlife that calls this area home.
For school tours please contact 575.562.2174. 14
Green & Silver | August 2017
The live exhibits provide an easy-access, safe environment for both the public and the creatures on display including reptiles, fish and invertebrates like the American alligator, rattle snakes and the gar. This museum is a great resource for the Department of Biology, the University and the residents of the area. It is regularly used as a teaching resource for biology classes, and students work with faculty and staff to maintain the museum and its exhibits. Local school groups (mainly grades K-4) also visit to enhance their early learning experiences in the life sciences. Each year the museum receives over 4,000 visitors. This museum is a real gem and we look forward to continued success and engagement in the years to come.
