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Donald J. Usner Plaza del Cerro in Chimayo Oral History Interviews

 Collection
Identifier: MSS-863-BC

Scope and Content

The collection includes audio recordings of interviews, which are available on-site at the University of New Mexico via New Mexico’s Digital Collections. The collection also includes tape logs of the interviews. Interviewees speak about their memories of the Plaza del Cerro, the history of Chimayo, and they recount stories about life in Chimayo. Social connections and interactions, family, daily life, celebrations, education, economic strategies, and politics are all discussed.

Interviewees include Teresita Jaramillo, Cordelia Martinez, Gregorita Martinez, Harold Martinez, Ben Ortega, David Ortega, Manuelita Ortega, Amada Trujillo, Canuto Trujillo, Mercedes Trujillo, John Trujillo, Domatila (Tila) Villa.

Dates

  • 1989-1991

Language of Materials

English, Spanish

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research. Audio may only be listened to on-site at the University of New Mexico's main campus in Albuquerque..

Copy Restrictions

Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.

Biographical Information

Born in 1957 in Embudo, NM, Don Usner spent his youth in Los Alamos, where his father was an electrical engineer, and in Chimayo, where his mother and many generations of her family were rooted. Growing up in these places fostered in him a love for the natural landscape and a deep appreciation of his cultural roots in the Rio Grande valley- subjects that have remained a focus of his work throughout his life.

Usner received an undergraduate degree in biology and environmental studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz. He went on to manage an ecological reserve in Big Sur, CA. He and co-author Paul Henson wrote The Natural History of Big Sur, which includes dozens of Usner’s photographs. Usner returned to New Mexico in 1988 to complete a master’s degree in Cultural Geography. His MA thesis, “Plaza del Cerro in Chimayo: settlement and function" was the basis for Usner’s 1995 publication, Sabino’s Map: Life in Chimayo’s Old Plaza, illustrated with his photographs.

Usner’s third book, Route 66 on Tour: Legendary Architecture from Glenrio to Gallup was followed closely by his collection of folk tales told by his grandmother, Benigna’s Chimayo: Cuentos from the Old Plaza. Usner has also published stories and photographs in El Palacio, New Mexico Magazine, the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and other national publications.

Usner has lived in Santa Fe since 2003. Recent projects include an intensive photographic survey of Valles Caldera National Preserve and ongoing documentation of the Lannan Foundation’s Readings and Conversations series.

Source: Don Usner's website

Extent

1 box (.17 cu. ft.)

Abstract

This is a collection of oral history recordings and tape logs with long-time residents of Chimayo, NM. Don Usner is the interviewer. Interviewees speak about their memories of the Plaza del Cerro, the history of Chimayo, and tell stories about life in Chimayo.

Processing Information

Audio is available online and on-site at the University of New Mexico Albuquerque campus only.
Title
Finding Aid of the Donald J. Usner Plaza del Cerro in Chimayo Oral History Interviews, 1989-1991
Status
Completed
Author
B. Silbergleit
Date
© 2011
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is in English

Repository Details

Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451