From Caroline Dechert, Librarian & Archivist
Continuing our trip through time, we venture to opening day in 1953. We haven’t (yet) identified the original photographer who captured proof that parking on Opening Day was a challenge. In those days, there was no beautiful approach through Milner Plaza. Visitors drove right up the dirt lot in front of the museum entrance – if they were lucky enough to find a space!
Soon, the Museum had a special vehicle of its own. Again, we don’t know the name of the original photographer, and we can’t be exactly sure of the date, but thanks to the hand-painted lettering on its side, we know whose truck this is:
From 1957 through 1973 the traveling exhibit van of the Museum of International Folk Art ventured throughout the state with exhibits for both adults and children. Exhibits included:
1. Introduction to Folk Art
1957-1958
2. Costumes from Around the World
1958-1959
3. Man the Hunter (Arctic and Tropical)
1961-1962
4. Indian Art of the Americas
1958-1959
Children’s Unit
5. Tools and Woodworking of Spanish New Mexico
1962-1963
Children’s Unit
6. Climate of Man’s Living
1963-1964
Children’s Unit
7. Desert People
1964-1965
Children’s Unit
8. The Idea of Folk Art
1964-1965
Adult Unit
9. The Reindeer Followers
1966-1967
Adult Unit
10. Magic and Medicine in Folk Art
1967-1968
Adult Unit
11. People at the Top of the World
1967-1969
Children’s Unit
12. Mountain Folk of the Southern Appalachians
Fall 1968-1969
Adult Unit
13. The Old in the New
1965-1966
Adult Unit
14. Adornment, the Image Maker
1969-1970
Adult Unit
15. Durable Metal, Timeless Art
1970-1971
Adult Unit
16. Sculpture in the Southwest
1971-1972
Adult Unit
17. Hats, Helmets and Crowns
1969-1971
Children’s Unit
18. Horses and Horsemen in the Southwest
1971-1973
Children’s Unit