Dr. Orozco to speak about the life of Juan Patron
"Juan Patron was the most educated Hispanic in Lincoln County during this time."
Pamela L. Bonner
Cynthia E. Orozco, Ph. D., professor of humanities and history at Eastern New Mexico University, Ruidoso, will be speak about Juan Patron: Hispanic Hero of the Lincoln County War, 11 a.m. Oct. 20, at the Hubbard Museum of the American West, 26301 US-70, Ruidoso Downs.
Professor Orozco holds a BA from University of Texas, Austin, an MA and Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles in history. She has been studying and researching the history in Lincoln County since she moved here in 1997. "Juan Patron was the most educated Hispanic in Lincoln County during this time," Cynthia Orozco, Ph.D., said. He was a speaker of the House for the territory of New Mexico in the 1800’s. Patron was successful in his endeavors and was a generous member of his community.
A published author, her research on Hispanic life in the area has been her focus and discussion topic for many years. "I have been conducting research about the area for several decades. Patron is just one of the many people I have studied that are a part of the rich history and culture in Lincoln County," Dr. Cynthia Orozco said.
Hispanics were known as ‘Hispanico’ before the war in Lincoln County and it did not change until after it was over. Ranching and farming communities were greatly affected by the war; life in Lincoln County had changed.
In the past, Orozco has served as a board member on the Lincoln County Historical Society, the Ft. Stanton Society, the New Mexico Historical Society, the New Mexico Humanities Society, the Friends of the Hubbard Museum of the American West, and the Ruidoso Public Library.
Her presentation and discussion will provide information about ‘La Placita de Rio Bonito’ and how Juan Patron’s life echoed the opportunities and adversities that New Mexico became after the United States conquered the area in 1848.
Orozco’s knowledge and research will provide an enlightened presentation and experience to gain an understanding about how life was in Lincoln County in the mid-1800’s.
The price of admission for the Juan Patron presentation is include in the museum’s regular admission. Adults are $7, seniors/military (with ID) $5, children 6-16 $2, Ruidoso Downs residents (with ID) $1, museum members free.
Appetizers and refreshments will be served before and after the presentation. Orozco will conduct a Q&A after the presentation. For more information go to hubbardmuseum.org or call 575-378-4142.