2008 Events
Christmas Traditions from Around the World
Wed., Dec. 3, 7 pm - 9 pm
At the Museum we celebrated Christmas Traditions Around the World Wednesday, December 3.
There were several entertainers. John Rice read “The Gift of the Magi” by O’Henry. Nancy Ortega sang traditional Mariachi songs. Dr. Wong’s Rock Band performed popular Christmas music. Dr. Wall’s Concert Choir is not pictured but performed a variety of traditional Christmas Carols. Joyce Walker played for us on the harp.
Over 400 people attended to discover more about Christmas from 13 other lands. There were designer Christmas trees, live music, carols, storytelling and costumed performers.
One of the traditions was homemade rag dolls. Over 100 were given to visitors. The dolls were made by Erin Anderson and the Museum staff.
The NMJC Golf Team delivered 8 trees to homes and businesses.
Llano Estacado Banquet
Saturday, November 22, 2008, 6 p.m.
The Llano Estacado Banquet, held every November at the Lea County Event Center, is when the Bronze Cowboy, Silver Concho, Young Rancher and Working Cowboy awards are presented.
Fall Film Series
All films were introduced by a guest speaker who will contribute their special perspective on the films’ subject matter.
November 20, 7 p.m.
Although the Presidential Election will have been decided by the time we run our last film of the Fall Film Series, the campaign will still be fresh in all of our minds. Swing Vote, which was filmed in
Swing Vote deals with the story of an election set somewhere in the near future where Bud Johnson, a lovable loser who is coasting through life and hasn't a single political thought in his head, is thrust into an improbable dilemma. In response, he is coaxed by his 12-year-old daughter Molly to take more of a serious approach to life. Molly runs the household and sees an opportunity on Election Day to energize her father. The election is a "dead heat" with the sole deciding ballot in the hands of a mystified Bud, who is being wooed by candidates from both sides.
OCTOBER SKY
October 9, 7 p.m.
Space exploration was the theme of our second film. 
The film was introduced by Greg Shuman, Deputy Director of the
Greg gave the audience some historical background for October Sky. He discussed the early days of space exploration, with an emphasis on the competition that existed between the United States and the Soviet Union for technological superiority in the “space race.”
After viewing October Sky, Mickey D. Best, New Mexico Junior College Dean of Arts and Humanities, said:
"The film was........excellent! For those of you who have never seen it, do yourself a favor and check it out! It is based upon actual events that led to the appointment of the lead character as a mission specialist for our shuttle program of today.
If you have the opportunity to take advantage of attending these informative talks and film screenings, I highly recommend to you to do so."
NINE INNINGS FROM GROUND ZERO: THE 2001 WORLD SERIES
September 11, 7 p.m.
The Western Heritage Museum kicked off its Fall 2008 Film Series by commemorating September 11 with a showing of Nine Innings From Ground Zero.
The film was introduced by life-long Yankee fan District Judge Bill Shoobridge. Everyone who attended the evening said they were very touched by the Judge’s remarks, and that the event was a wonderful way of commemorating the attacks on 9/11/01.
The tragedy and horror of the 9/11 attacks triggered a host of changes in 
professional sporting event, attended each night by more than 50,000 spectators, in New York City one month after the 9/11 terrorist attack. The film juxtaposes the games at Yankee Stadium with the recovery effort going on simultaneously nine miles south at Ground Zero in lower
New Mexico Arts Commission Meeting
Fri., Nov. 14, 9 pm - 11:30 am
National Final Rodeo Steer Ropers Breakfast
Sat., Nov. 15, time to be announced
Western Heritage Museum & Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame Distinguished Lecture Series 2008
"Windmills and Western Ranching" by Dr. T. Lindsay Baker
November 15, 2008, 10:30 a.m. in the Theatre
Dr. T. Lindsay Baker
Saturday, November 15
10:30 am WHM Theater
Baker is considered to be the foremost expert on the history of Windmills. He has authored many books on the subject: Blades in the Sky, American Windmills: An Album of Historic Photographs, A Field Guide to American Windmills, and The 702 Model Windmill: Its Assembly, Installation and Use.
Baker’s appearance coincides with the dedication of the restored Eclipse Windmill which is prominently displayed outside of the Western Heritage Museum and Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame. The Windmill is being dedicated in honor of Shaun Berry who was killed in an automobile accident in 2003.
"Raising the La Belle: Out of the Sea – Out of the Past" by Dr. Peter Fix
November 18, 2008, 7:00 pm in the Theatre
Dr. Peter Fix,
7:00 pm in the Theatre
The
THE STORY:
In 1684 French explorer Robert Cavelier Sieur de la Salle set off with a fleet of ships in hopes of challenging Spanish claims to the
The proud ship reconstructors: Peter Hitchcock, Taras Pevny, & Peter Fix
First National Bank Board of Directors Luncheon & Meeting
Fri., Oct. 24, 9 am - 12 pm
Southwest Excursions Tour & Luncheon
Wed., Oct. 29, 11 am - 1 pm
Jon Smith - Panoramic Photography Techniques Lecture
Tues., Oct. 14, 6 pm - 8 pm
Rio Grande ¡Bravo!
The Panoramic Photography of
Jon M. Smith
This exhibit, on display through December 2008, features the Panoramic Photography of Jon M. Smith, a former
Mr. Smith gave a lecture on panoramic photography techniques at the museum Tuesday, October 14.
Pictures of the Exhibit:
Pictures of the Exhibit Opening Sept. 13, 2008:
Above left: Jon Smith with his granddaughter
Above: Jon Smith and Calvin Smith
Right: Jon Smith visits with guests at the Opening.
Maddox Distinguished Lecture Series - Waddie Mitchell
Tues., Oct. 7
Waddie Mitchell gave a Creative Writing/Poetry Seminar at 1 p.m. Tues., Oct. 7 in the Western Heritage Museum Complex theater.
This talented writer and performer shared his insights about the creative process and how he evolved from a “working cowboy” into an internationally recognized poet and entertainer. Students and faculty from NMJC and the University of the Southwest attended.
A VIP reception for Mitchell was hosted by the J. F Maddox Foundation at the Western Heritage Museum. Following the reception, Mitchell entertained at Hobbs High School.
Economic Development Corporation of Lea County Luncheon & Meeting
Tues., Sept. 23, 11 am - 1:30 pm
The EDC held their monthly membership meeting at the Western Heritage Museum & Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame on Tuesday, Sept. 23. The
members and their guests were very impressed with our facility. Dr. McCleery and Calvin Smith were invited to speak to the EDC members at the business meeting following lunch. Dr. McCleery spoke about the importance of voting for the GO Bond which contains funding for colleges around the state. Calvin Smith then presented a program about the history of Lea County and future plans for the Western Heritage Museum Complex.
Staked Plains Roundup
The annual Staked Plains Roundup is the largest event the Western Heritage Museum Complex hosts each year. In 2007 more than 2000 people attended the two-day event which takes place at various locations across the campus of New Mexico Junior College. Fun for the whole family, children play and learn about the early life on the Staked Plains, another name for the Llano Estacado, as they take part in demonstrations presented by cowboys, artist and awesome volunteers. Last year Brice Chapman sparkled with his dog Sooner and his talented horse, Crossfire. The energy of this gracious cowboy continued over and over for his awed audiences. Children absorbed lessons on character as they watched Brice perform. Make plans to attend the 2008 Staked Plains Roundup September 25 & 26!
Lea County Fair and Rodeo
We had a booth at the Lea County Fair and Rodeo.
Carla Curry presents Movies, Pink Panther and Me
July 23, 2008
At 7 p.m. July 23 visitors had the opportunity to meet Hobbs' own Carla Curry, who has extensive experience in the Hollywood film industry. Her credits include: Pink Panther 2, Walk the Line, Friday Night Lights, The Alamo, Tombstone, Major League, and Children of the Corn IV.
Following Carla Curry's presentation there was a very special Pink Panther film presentation. The exhibit hall hosted "Indellible(P)ink: The Pink Panther in Popular culture."
Admission was free and refreshments were served.
John Wayne Movies
June 22 & 29, 2008
John Wayne's "The Shootist" and "The Wings of Eagles" were shown at the Museum's Theater in June.
The Winds of Eagles
Sunday, June 29, 2008, 1 p.m.
The Shootist
Sunday, June 22, 2008, 1 p.m.
The Shootist tells the story of John Bernard (J.B.) Books (John Wayne), an aging gunfighter, the most celebrated "shootist" extant, who is struggling with terminal prostate cancer. Not only does he have to deal with his inevitable death, but he has to deal with the vultures who come to profit from his infamy. Having never had trouble facing death in other men, Books now struggles with the fact that death is calling on him.
2008 Festival of Quilts / Windmills of Our Lives
May 22 - 24 during the 2008 Festival of Quilts, area artisans were able to display their crafts and gather to hear speakers, including:
- TEXTile Messaging - New Mexico Art Quilters
- Art Quilts - Albuquerque and Santa Fe
- Featured Speaker/Teacher - Debbie Caffrey, author of "Can of Worms"
Many beautiful handmade quilts were on display for the festival as well as the Windmills of our Lives Exhibit through June 7.
Henry Crawford - A Buffalo Soldier
February 22, 2008
Mr. Crawford and Gail Goth interpreted for several audiences the are my life of the post Civil War era. Two hundred parents, teachers, elementary students and college professors gained a little more knowledge about the struggles and life on the frontier. Mr. Crawford demonstrated Cavalry procedures with Jazz, a very patient horse loaned by Becky Cousins, while Gail Goth portrayed an army laundress whose harsh life supported the troops in the expanding west.
Graciously funded by the J.F. Maddox Foundation
George Winston - A Solo Piano Concert
February 11, 2008
George Winston brought his special style to the WHMC Theatre. The strings of the piano vibrated joy through the ears of a delighted audience. His melodies comforted souls and drew an uplifted heart from the plunking of strings to the quick-moving fingers across the ivory keys of the Steinvway. He enjoyed his short visit, too, and hopes to return on his tour through this area in several years.
Graciously funded by the J.F. Maddox Foundation
Randy Granger Concert
January 18, 2008
This multi-talented musician gave three performances to Lea County residents.
Friday, second grade students from Jal and Tatum enjoyed his stories and songs played on the Native American Flute. Saturday evening Randy
delighted the audience with the Native American Flute, Hang Drum and guitar. Randy's audience was made up of many poeple who knew this talented artist as he grew up in Hobbs.
Graciously funded by the J.F. Maddox Foundation