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Blackwater Draw photo series on display

PORTALES — Since 1932, discoveries have been made at the Blackwater Draw National Historic Landmark that have shed light on the earth's history.

Now, however, the site is getting some recognition of its own.

The "Black Water Draw Black and White" photo series, on display in the Runnels Gallery in Eastern New Mexico University's Bernalillo Hall until Jan. 26, showcases over 50 photographs, from the site's initial excavation in 1932 to the 1970s.

Barbara Senn, department secretary for ENMU's anthropology and applied archaeology department, said the display was a joint effort between her department and the art department.

"It was just this idea of, we have all these wonderful old photos, and (Blackwater Draw Museum Curator Jenna Domeischel) thought it was a shame no one ever saw them. We went and talked to Bryan (Hahn), the art department secretary, and he had an opening on the gallery schedule for this year, and we decided to collaborate between art and anthropology to show some of the historical photos," she said.

While most of the photos show students and faculty making discoveries, the display also includes photos of explosions at the site due to gravel mining, and of the first time mammoth bones were discovered at the site.

"There's a bunch of general public standing around, kind of looking at what we now realize is this really important discovery. It's showing some of the history of Blackwater Draw, and how it got to where it is now," said Senn.

According to Blackwater Draw Museum Curator Jenna Domeischel, the exhibit coincides with the recent opening of a new museum for the site on campus.

"It reminds visitors in the community that there's a really deep history, both of excavations and of different people visiting the site," she said.

Eastern New Mexicans may already be familiar with Blackwater Draw, Senn said, but many may have no idea of its humble beginnings.

"Most people who are familiar with it have been out to Blackwater Draw now, but they have maybe never see these photos of what it looked like in the beginning."