Content Note
The New Mexico History Museum's digital collections website offers public access to a wide range of archival content. This content reflects a rich and complex past, multiple cultures and perspectives, and various time periods.
Some of these materials may reflect:
- Outdated and Biased Views: Historical documents and materials may perpetuate discriminatory attitudes that were common during their creation.
- Offensive Language: The language used in the content or description of some materials may be considered offensive by today's standards.
- Explicit Imagery: Certain collections may contain depictions of violence or nudity but are preserved for their historical significance.
We acknowledge the presence of these elements and are committed to presenting them within an appropriate context. Our goal is to provide access and facilitate discovery.
On description
Description is not neutral. We strive to describe materials in a manner that is accurate and also is responsive to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in our collections.
- While content is improved upon by museum staff and volunteers, available information may contain errors and omissions.
- Legacy descriptions may reflect language that was used by the people and organizations that created the material.
- In some cases, we maintain the original language, which can provide information about the people that created it and their historical context, but aim to provide additional interpretation.
As we work to update existing descriptions of materials, we recognize that efforts to create correct, useful, respectful and inclusive description must be ongoing.
As you explore our collections, if you encounter any content about which you have questions or comments, please contact us at photoarchives@dca.nm.gov or HistoryLibrary@dca.nm.gov