"Visit Our Ancestors" Cemetery Tour November 14, 2009

Las Cruces, NM – A “Visit Our Ancestors” cemetery tour organized by the Branigan Cultural Center travels to the community of Garfield on Saturday, November 14, 2009. The goal of the program is to increase awareness of various cultures, traditions, and histories of the people who settled our region.

The Garfield Cemetery is approximately 45 miles north of Las Cruces. It is located just south of Two Counties Road (NM 546) at the border between Sierra and Dona Anna Counties. Take exit 51 from highway I-25 and go west about 1/2 mile. Turn left and follow the paved road to the cemetery. The cemetery consists of two sections and the tour will start at the new section which is on land owned by the Catholic Dioceses of Las Cruces. The old section is about 1/4 mile past the first section and is on land owned by the federal government.

The tour starts at 10:00 a.m. at the cemetery. Participants should allow for a 2 hour walking tour, over very uneven terrain, where trip hazards do exist. There will be little or no seating. Participants are strongly encouraged to wear sturdy walking shoes, long sleeved shirts, hats, sunscreen, and carry bottled water. There is no fee to participate. No registration is required.

Those who prefer to caravan to the cemetery should meet at Branigan Cultural Center, 501 N. Main Street, at the Northern end of the Downtown Mall. The caravan will depart the parking lot promptly at 9:00 a.m.

For more information about tours and other programs, contact the Branigan Cultural Center at (575) 541-2154 or visit the Center’s web site at www.las-cruces.org/museums