Wendi Laws to helm Fort Selden Historic Site, Taylor-Mesilla Historic Property

Wendi Laws has hit the ground running.

Beginning on Dec. 9, she is the new manager for Fort Selden Historic Site and Taylor-Mesilla Historic Property.

The New Mexico native, who was born in Silver City and grew up in Las Cruces, returns home after working with several parks and historic sites in Texas.

Laws said she is looking forward to working with the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs staff to help grow opportunities for visitors at each site.

“These sites embody the history and rich heritage of southern New Mexico, and I am eager to engage with communities in Las Cruces and the surrounding areas to showcase all that the region has to offer to both residents and visitors,” Laws said. “I consider it an honor to help lay the foundation for a new public space in Old Mesilla where visitors can come and enjoy beautiful art and culture, as well as continuing to showcase the rich history of Fort Selden’s occupants over the span of hundreds of years.”

After graduating with a Master of Arts in museum studies from the University of Oklahoma, Laws launched her career working for park systems in Texas where she served for several years as site manager and an interpretive ranger.

Those parks are also home to historic sites where she researched, presented programs and designed exhibits to highlight the history of the locations.

“I have curated many exhibits, lovingly cared for the historic homes, developed countless programs and special events, and cared for collections housed in the buildings,” she said. “This experience has solidified my love of working for both museums and historic sites, and I am overjoyed to be able to continue this work in New Mexico.”

Matthew Barbour, New Mexico Historic Sites deputy director, said Laws is up for the challenge.

“Developing the exhibits and staff necessary to open Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site to the public will be no easy task,” Barbour said. “We are very excited to have her on board.”