Joining Forces To Preserve An Historic 18th Century Plaza

Spencer Beckwith On The Arts

Towns in 18th Century New Mexico were built as enclosures. Outside adobe walls were windowless and doorless, facing inward were homes and a place of worship, and at the center was a plaza. New Mexico's last such remaining structure is the timeworn but largely intact Plaza Del Cerro in Chimayo. In 2017, hoping to save this historic place, the Chimayo Cultural Preservation Association teamed up the Santa Fe non-profit Cornerstones Community Partnerships. Cornerstones Director Jake Barrow spoke with KUNM about the significance of the plaza and what the partners have done to preserve it.