Western Heritage Museum
2013 Advisory Board

• Ray Battaglini– Chair
• Guy Kesner - Vice Chair & NMJC Board Rep.
• Darrell Beauchamp – Ex Officio
• Jim Davis - LCCHOF Rep.
• Charley Smith
• TJ Parks
• Perry Robinson
• Susan Crutchfield
• Elaine McVay
• Gary Fonay
• Ava Benge

Staff

Dr. Darrell Beauchamp, Executive Director

Dr. Darrell Beauchamp comes to the Western Heritage Museum following several very cold winters as the Executive Director at the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls, Montana.  Prior to that he was the Executive Director/CEO of the National Western Art Foundation and the Dolph and Janie Briscoe Museum on the Riverwalk in San Antonio, TX.   He began his museum career as the Founding Director of the Pearce Western Art Museum and the Pearce Civil War Museum in Corsicana, TX.  Prior to his start in the Museum world, Dr. Beauchamp has been a professional photographer, Western Art dealer, and college librarian.  He earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership and Technologies from Texas A&M University – Commerce, (formerly East Texas State University).  He also holds a B.S. in Photography and a M.S. in Photojournalism.

Darrell is an avid fly fisherman, a persistent gardener, a capable wood-carver and a lousy banjo player.   He and his wife Jan are the proud parents of three children: Cody, a 3^rd year law student at American University in Washington, D.C.; Casey, a junior at the University of Texas in Austin; and Emily, a sophomore in high school.

Mary Lyle, Director of Education

I am so pleased to have joined the Western Heritage Museum & Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame staff.  This is a challenging time for us at the Museum Complex as we establish ourselves as one of the newest additions to the New Mexico Junior College campus.  My job as the Education and Events Coordinator is to make sure that we provide our community with innovative and exciting exhibits that will enhance the educational opportunities of the children of Lea County.  In addition, we at the Western Heritage Museum Complex are finding ways to serve the cultural needs of all of the members of our diverse community.  It’s a great time to be a part of the team!  I grew up in Albuquerque, NM, received my BFA in Theatre Arts at the University of NM, and I am currently finishing a MA in English Literature at Eastern New Mexico University.  My husband Doug and I moved to Hobbs twenty years ago because we wanted to raise our four sons in a smaller, safer, and friendlier town.  We are grateful for the friendships we’ve developed over the years, and for the opportunity to be a part of this great community.

Erin Anderson, Curator

Erin earned an MA in Museum Science from Texas Tech University.  While not originally from this area she believes that her passion for history and museums will translate through her work.  Ever since high school she knew that museum-work would be the ultimate goal.  To achieve this end she graduated from Northern Illinois University with a B.A. in History and a minor in Anthropology.  Other museum experiences include student worker at the Northern Illinois Anthropology Museum, student worker at the Museum of Texas Tech University, and curatorial intern at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

Lupe Johnston, Administrative Secretary

We would like to welcome back Lupe Johnston as the Administrative Secretary for the Western Heritage Museum.  Lupe returned to us after a year and a half of retirement.  She enjoyed spending the time with her grandkids, but with most of them in school this year she decided to return to the workplace.  As she said when she was a part of this team three years ago:  “Her love for life, history, and desire to leave a legacy for her family makes this a great place for her to work and become part of a new team.”