Preserving History and Democracy

Election Day Is Almost Here! Final Voting Reminders from the Doña Ana County Clerk's Office

With Election Day just around the corner, Chief Deputy County Clerk Caroline Zamora and Communications Coordinator Cynthia Diaz share important reminders to help Doña Ana County voters prepare to cast their ballots in the 2026 General Election.

In this episode of Preserving History and Democracy, learn about the final day of early voting, same-day voter registration requirements, absentee ballot return deadlines, and what to expect on Election Day. Caroline and Cynthia also discuss how to find reliable, nonpartisan voter in...

Election Day is approaching! Join Caroline Zamora and Cynthia Diaz for the latest Doña Ana County election updates, including expanded early voting locations, absentee ballot deadlines, same-day registration, and how to prepare for the November 3 election. They also address circulating misinformation and share helpful tips to make your voting experience easier. Get informed, get prepared, and make your voice heard!

Hosted by: Caroline Zamora, Cynthia Diaz

Produced by: The Doña Ana County Clerk's Office

Edited by: Jacob Slaughter

What can old photographs, handwritten records, maps, and forgotten stories teach us about who we are today? 

In this episode of Preserving History and Democracy, we're joined by Victoria Contreas of the Archives of the Big Bend at Sul Ross State University to talk about the Border Regional Archives Group and the upcoming Archives Bazaar.

We explore the stories preserved in archives across the border region, the importance of firsthand accounts, the history held within the Harry Warren collection, and how archives help communities connect with their past. Victoria also gives us a preview of t...

What actually happens to your absentee ballot after you request it? How secure is voting by mail? And what does the latest Supreme Court decision mean for the 2026 election?

In this episode of Preserving History and Democracy, we break down the big election news in plain language, talk about how New Mexico protects access to the ballot, and share some of the personal stories that make working in elections so meaningful. From first-time voters to longtime election workers, we're talking about why trust, accurate information, and participation matter.

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How do maps help preserve history, shape communities, and ensure voters receive the correct ballot? In this episode of Preserving History and Democracy, GIS Supervisor Charles "Chuck" shares how Geographic Information Systems connect data, history, technology, and elections. From preserving historic maps to exploring the future of AI and mapping, discover the fascinating work happening behind the scenes at the Doña Ana County Clerk's Office.

Hosted by: Cynthia Diaz 

Special Guest: Charles Saenz

Produced by: The Doña Ana County Clerk's Office

Edited by: Jacob Slaughter

Welcome to the latest episode of Preserving History and Democracy!

 In this episode, County Clerk Dr. Amanda López Askin sits down with two of our summer interns, Chris and Fatima, for a conversation about their experiences working with the Doña Ana County Clerk's Office.

Chris and Fatima share what inspired them to take on an internship with the Clerk's Office, the lessons and experiences they've gained along the way, and what they've enjoyed most about their time with the team. They also talk about their future career plans, hopes, dreams, and the goals the...

Season 6 has been packed with unforgettable stories, local legends, and fascinating history. Join Cynthia Diaz and Jacob Slaughter as they look back on 19 episodes featuring community leaders, historians, authors, election experts, and preservationists who helped bring Doña Ana County's rich past and vibrant present to life. From the history of Nopalito's Restaurant and the Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site to the Trinity Site, the New Mexico State Archives, election innovations, and the people preserving our community's stories, this special season recap highlights the moments that made Season 6 one of the podcast's most memorable yet.

Watch here. 

Ho...

What did it feel like to witness the world's first atomic explosion? In this episode of Preserving History and Democracy, historian and Trinity Site expert Jim Eckles takes listeners inside the dramatic story of the Trinity Test, from eyewitness accounts of the blinding blast to the lasting legacy of radioactive trinitite, Ground Zero, and the myths that continue to surround the site today.

Join us as we explore fascinating firsthand stories, little-known artifacts like Jumbo, the realities of radiation at Trinity Site, and the ongoing conversations surrounding downwinders and historical preservation. Whether you're a history enthusiast or...

In this final pre-primary election update, Chief Deputy County Clerk Caroline Zamora and Communications Coordinator Cynthia Diaz break down everything voters need to know before Election Day 2026. From early voting deadlines and absentee ballot drop-offs to same day registration, write-in candidates, electioneering rules, and what to expect on election night,  this episode is your quick guide to voting with confidence in Doña Ana County. Plus, hear the latest voter turnout numbers and important reminders before polls close. 

Watch here. 

Hosted by: Caroline Zamora, Cynthia Diaz

Produced by: Doña Ana County Clerk's Offic...

In this first part of our special two-part series, we sit down with Jim Eckles. Eckles is an author and retired public affairs specialist at White Sands Missile Range. We sit for an in-depth presentation and discussion on the history of Trinity Site. From the origins of the Manhattan Project to the scientists and military leaders who made the first atomic test possible, Jim walks us through the events leading up to July 16, 1945, the moment the world changed forever. He also explores the real meaning behind the name "Trinity," the development of the bomb designs, and what witnesses and...

In this episode, Chief Deputy County Clerk Caroline Zamora and Communications Coordinator Cynthia Diaz break down everything voters need to know about the upcoming 2026 Primary Election in Doña Ana County. They dive into New Mexico's new semi-open primary system, explaining what it means for Democrats, Republicans, qualified minor party voters and how decline to state voters can participate without changing their registration.

They also walk listeners through key voting options like early voting, absentee voting, and Election Day convenience centers, plus important deadlines leading up to June 2. To help ease first-time voter nerves, they give a s...

In this episode of Preserving History and Democracy, the Doña Ana County Clerk's Office welcomes David Davoust, founder and CEO of Robis Elections, for a behind-the-scenes conversation on election technology, security, and innovation in New Mexico elections. From cybersecurity and AI safeguards to new hand tally systems and semi-open primary changes, the discussion highlights how counties, vendors, and election officials work together to keep elections secure, accurate, and accessible for voters across New Mexico.

Watch here.

Hosted by: Caroline Zamora, Janice Giron 

Special Guest: David Davoust

Produced by: Doña Ana...

Step inside the vaults of the Southwest in this episode of Preserving History and Democracy. Cynthia Diaz and Bernardine Caporale are joined by archivist Kylie Kincaid from Texas Tech's Southwest Collection to explore how history is preserved, from rare books and music archives to ranching records and oral histories.

Discover surprising connections to Doña Ana County, including 1800s mining do

In this episode of Preserving History and Democracy, Cynthia Diaz and Bernardine Caporale are joined by Jennifer Kleitz, District Manager for the Doña Ana Soil and Water Conservation District, for an in-depth conversation on conservation, community partnerships, and the future of natural resources in southern New Mexico.

From the legacy of the Dust Bowl to today's challenges with drought and climate change, Jennifer breaks down how soil and water conservation districts play a vital role in protecting our land, supporting local producers, and strengthening communities.

Learn how innovative programs like NeighborWoods are transforming neighborhoods, f...

This week, the Preserving History and Democracy team hits the road for a special behind-the-scenes episode at the New Mexico State Archives. Join state archivists Elena Pérez-Lozano and Jonathan Pringle as they reveal how history is preserved from centuries-old documents and rare voter rolls to mysterious crime scene sketches and records dating back to the 1500s. Explore the hidden stories within the archives, follow the journey of public records, and discover why preserving these materials is vital to protecting our shared history and our democracy.

Hosted by: Caroline Zamora, Angelica Valenzuela

Special Guests: Elena P...

In the latest episode of Preserving History and Democracy, we sit down with local historian and author David Thomas to explore the fascinating life of Giovanni Maria de Agostini, the mysterious hermit who traveled across South America before arriving in the Mesilla Valley. Drawing from his book Giovanni Maria de Agostini, Wonder of the Century: The Astonishing World Traveler Who Was A Hermit, David shares insights into Giovanni's global journey, his time in Doña Ana County, and his stay at the historic La Cueva.

We also dive deeper into the myths and legends that surround Giovanni, s...

Take a behind-the-scenes look at election administration in this special "on tour" episode of the Preserving History and Democracy podcast, recorded live at the New Mexico Secretary of State's Office in Santa Fe. Host Caroline Zamora is joined by Election Director Mandy Vigil and Bureau of Elections Supervisor Janice Giron for an engaging conversation about public service, the evolution of elections, and what it takes to support voters across all 33 counties.  

The conversation dives into how elections have transformed over the years—highlighting New Mexico's top national ranking, increased accessibility for voters, and the growing importance of sec...

In our latest episode of Preserving History and Democracy, we sit down with Emily Wilson of the Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site to uncover the lives of J. Paul Taylor and Mary Daniels, and how their home became a living time capsule of Southern New Mexico history. From rich cultural artifacts to stories of community, art, and legacy—this episode brings the past to life in a powerful way.

Hosted by: Caroline Zamora, Angelica Valenzuela and Cynthia Diaz

Produced by: Cynthia Diaz, Jacob Slaughter

Edited by: Jacob Slaughter

In this episode of Preserving History and Democracy, we recap Filing Day in Doña Ana County—an exciting kickoff to the election season filled with enthusiastic candidates, community spirit, and behind-the-scenes moments. Hear directly from local candidates about why they're running and what drives their commitment to public service.

We also break down important upcoming election dates, explain New Mexico's new semi-open primary system, and share how voters can stay informed and engaged. Plus, we highlight a recent visit from NMSU students and celebrate a major milestone—our 100th episode!

Hosted by: Caroline Zamora, Cynth...

In this special milestone episode, the Doña Ana County Clerk's Office celebrates 100 episodes of Preserving History and Democracy—a journey dedicated to telling the stories that shape our community. From historic documents stored deep in the county archives to heartfelt memories shared by guests and historians, this episode reflects on how preserving records also means preserving the people, families, and moments that built Doña Ana County.

Clerk Amanda López Askin, Angelica Valenzuela and Cynthia Diaz look back on the powerful conversations that have connected residents to their past—from surprising historical discoveries to deeply personal...

Join us for a special episode of Preserving History & Democracy as we record from the historic Las Cruces Railroad Museum in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Communications Coordinator Cynthia Mendoza and producer Bernardine Caporale sit down with museum curator and educator Kyle McGregor to explore the powerful role railroads played in shaping the Mesilla Valley. In this episode, we discuss how the arrival of the railroad in 1881 helped transform Las Cruces from a small village into a growing community, while nearby Mesilla missed the opportunity to host the rail line.

Kyle shares fascinating stories about early...

All aboard for a journey through history with Preserving History and Democracy! In this episode, Cynthia Diaz and Bernardine Caporale chat with historian Dr. Richard Meltzer about the legendary Fred Harvey Houses and the adventurous Harvey Girls. Learn how Harvey transformed train travel with efficient dining, luxurious hotels, and cultural tourism that celebrated Native American crafts. Hear stories of famous guests, from Albert Einstein to Clark Gable, and explore the small but fascinating Harvey House in Rone, New Mexico, complete with tales of theft, ghostly encounters, and historic lunchbooks. From the expansion of Harvey Houses across nine states to...

In this episode of Preserving History and Democracy, Cynthia Diaz and Janice Giron sit down with Doña Ana County Commissioners Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez and Manuel Sanchez for an engaging conversation about leadership, growth, and the future of Doña Ana County.

From their personal journeys into public service to the real, behind-the-scenes work of county government, the commissioners break down what they actually do — from serving on multiple boards and advocating in Santa Fe to approving election results and supporting voter access initiatives like a future mobile voting unit.

They also share their vision for the...

Welcome to the latest episode of Preserving History and Democracy!

In this episode, Cynthia and Bern sit down with Jennifer Olguin and Peggy Swoveland for a deep dive into the remarkable history of the Nakayama farms.

Swoveland, a descendant of the Nakayama family, shares how she uncovered important historical documents and tells the story behind this pioneering farming family.

It's a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination the Nakayama family showed as they immigrated from Japan and built a lasting legacy in the Mesilla Valley.

Hosted by: Bernardine Caporale, Cynthia M...

In this special episode of Preserving History and Democracy, hosts Cynthia Diaz and Bernardine Caporale are joined by Lenora Hawkins from the Clerk's Office to talk all things Romance at the Rotunda—the most love-filled day of the year at the Government Center!

From how to get your marriage license to what to bring on the big day, the team breaks down everything couples need to know to tie the knot with ease. Learn why this one-stop wedding experience is so popular, how ceremonies are scheduled, who the officiants are, and what makes this event extra special—from...

Welcome to the latest episode of Preserving History and Democracy! In this episode, we take the podcast on the road for a truly special episode—recorded inside one of the oldest and most beloved restaurants in Las Cruces. Join us as we sit down with Victor Gallegos of Nopalito's to explore more than 60 years of family history, community resilience, and the culture that shaped Mesquite Street and the city itself. From the legendary green chile recipe that put Nopalito's on the map to the incredible story of how the restaurant began inside a former Spanish Baptist church, this conversation is...

Welcome to the season finale of Preserving History and Democracy! In this special episode, Cynthia and Bernardine look back at one of the podcast's most dynamic seasons yet—packed with history, community voices, and critical conversations about democracy.

The season opens with Episode 1, Countdown to the Vote, where Cynthia and Caroline break down key election dates and updates, emphasizing transparency and communication—a theme that echoes throughout the series.

Episode 2 brings in County Clerk Amanda López Askin, Election Supervisor Janice Giron, and special guest Donald Palmer of the Election Assistance Commission. Together they explore the i...

Welcome to the latest episode of Preserving History and Democracy! In this episode, Doña Ana County Clerk Amanda López Askin, Chief Deputy Clerk Caroline Zamora, and Elections Supervisor Janice take listeners behind the scenes of the 2025 Regular Local Election. From certification to canvass to brand-new pilot programs, the team explains exactly what happens after voters cast their ballots and why New Mexico continues to rank among the most trusted election systems in the country.

The conversation begins with a deep dive into what "certification" actually means and why the post-election process is so rigorous. The te...

Welcome to the latest episode of Preserving History and Democracy! In this episode, we take listeners on a captivating journey into one of the borderland's most overlooked historical chapters. Our guest, Joel Gonzalez Parra—historian, researcher, and recent NMSU graduate joining us from Washington, D.C.—shares the compelling story of the repatriate colonies that emerged in the aftermath of the Mexican–American War.

Joel unpacks how, when the border shifted in 1848, many New Mexicans found themselves suddenly living under a new flag and facing decisions that would reshape entire communities. Some chose to remain in the now-Am...

In this deeply enriching episode of Preserving History and Democracy, host Cynthia Mendoza and producer Bernardine Caporale sit down with two remarkable women at the forefront of cultural and historic preservation in Doña Ana County: Corrina Miramontes and Martha Rodriguez from Las Esperanzas

Together, they take us on a captivating journey through the Mesquite Historic District—the original townsite of Las Cruces, platted in 1849 and still home to one of the most intact collections of historic adobe structures in the Southwest.

Discover the powerful origin story of Las Esperanzas, a grassroots organization founded by loc...

Welcome to the latest episode of PRreserving History and Democracy! In this episode,  we delve into the hidden history of the Conversos—the descendants of Jews who were forced to convert to Christianity during the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions—and trace their remarkable journey across centuries and continents.

Our guest, Sean Schifano , historian and founding archivist of the the Crypto-Jewish Historical Archives at New Mexico State University, joins us to illuminate this little-known but profoundly important story of cultural survival, religious transformation, and rediscovered identity. From the secret crypto-Jewish practices that endured under colonial rule to the redis...

Welcome to a special bonus episode of Preserving History and Democracy!

In this episode, County Clerk Dr. Amanda López Askin and Elections Supervisor Janice Giron share important final updates ahead of the 2025 Regular Local Election.

They begin by covering key election dates and offering insights into early and absentee voting numbers. Then, they discuss why every vote matters—even if you don't live within a municipality.

Dr. López Askin and Janice also explain the Permanent Absentee List, how it impacts voters, and provide reminders about how to return absentee ballots safely and...

Welcome to another fascinating episode of Preserving History and Democracy! In this episode, hosts Cynthia and Bern sit down with historian Professor Christopher Schurtz to explore the remarkable — and often mysterious — history of Shalam Colony and the Faithist community that once called it home.

Professor Schurtz begins by sharing how he first became interested in this unique chapter of American history before introducing John Ballou Newbrough, the visionary behind the Oahspe, a spiritual text that inspired the founding of the Faithist movement. He explains what the Oahspe taught, what the Faithists believed, and how those beliefs led to t...

Welcome to a new episode of Preserving History and Democracy!

This week, we're joined by Tina Barton, Senior Election Expert at The Elections Group, for a timely and important conversation about election security and the safety of election workers.

Tina begins by sharing her personal journey and what drives her passion for protecting those on the frontlines of democracy. Together, we explore the challenges of ensuring safety for both voters and election workers during such a polarized time in our country.

We dive into the crucial role of de-escalation at the polls, and...

In this episode, County Clerk Amanda López Askin and Chief Deputy Clerk Caroline Zamora share the latest updates on the 2025 Regular Local Election.

They kick things off by explaining how elections have evolved—and how consolidating elections has improved the process for voters across Doña Ana County.

You'll hear about: 

Welcome to a new episode of Preserving History and Democracy! This week, we're thrilled to be joined by special guests Dennis Daily and Jennifer Olguin, who give us an inside look at the upcoming 9th Annual Border Archives Bazaar, hosted by the Border Regional Archives Group (BRAG).

We begin with Dennis and Jennifer sharing the origins of BRAG and how a shared mission to help fellow archivists connect with resources and information brought the group together. Dennis then walks us through the history of the Border Archives Bazaar—from its humble beginnings to the dynamic event it ha...

Welcome to this episode of Preserving History and Democracy!

Today, we're joined by Amanda and Louis Santana, a couple whose love story took a meaningful step forward at the Doña Ana County Clerk's Office, where they received their marriage license.

In this heartfelt episode, Amanda and Louis share how they met, the surprising story of how the engagement ring was bought before they even started dating, and the moment each of them knew they had found "the one." Louis recounts the thoughtful planning behind his proposal, and Amanda reflects on the unexpected joy of t...

Welcome to another episode of Preserving History and Democracy!

In this episode, County Clerk Amanda López Askin and Deputy County Clerk Caroline Zamora share important updates about the upcoming 2025 Regular Local Election. They begin by explaining what a Regular Local Election is and how recent election consolidations have made the voting process simpler and more efficient across the county. You'll also hear about key dates, including when early voting and expanded early voting begin. Amanda and Caroline discuss Voting Convenience Centers, and how these help ensure voting is accessible to all eligible voters.

They r...

Welcome to Preserving History and Democracy! In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Blanca Araujo, who shares her personal memories of growing up on Stahmann Farms. She paints a vivid picture of life on the farm—what the community looked like, how families lived and worked, and the unique role the Bracero program played in shaping their experiences.

Dr. Araujo reflects on her earliest childhood memories, the generosity of Mr. Stahmann, and the amenities provided for farm families—alongside the very real hardships they faced. She also talks about the deep bonds between families, the yearly reun...

Welcome to this episode of Preserving History and Democracy!

In today's episode, we're joined by special guest Troy Ainsworth for an in-depth conversation about the historic 1935 floods that struck Las Cruces, New Mexico. Troy sets the stage by painting a vivid picture of what life was like in the city during the 1930s, exploring how the economic climate shaped the region—especially in the aftermath of the flood.

We then dive into the architectural challenges faced at the time, particularly the widespread use of adobe, a traditional Southwestern building material that proved vulnerable in heavy ra...