Preserving History and Democracy

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...

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...

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 v...

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 ev...

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 withou...

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, vendor...

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 docum...

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 clim...

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...

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 , Da...

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 electio...

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: C...

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 Ne...

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, fami...

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 arriva...

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 sto...

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 do...

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 r...

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...

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 t...

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 tran...

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...

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 Mex...

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 town...

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-Jew...