'Voices of Las Cruces’ Museum Curations to be Displayed Publicly
Since the late 1800s, the history and memories of Las Cruces Public Schools have been shaped through decades of students, teachers and staff. For the first time, LCPS staff hopes to curate a collection of those spoken stories, school artifacts and photos that tell the story of more than 100 years of public education in the Mesilla Valley.
The project, Voices of Las Cruces, officially launches today. Students both past and present are invited to access an online portal where their spoken histories of time spent in school can be collected and shared on digital platforms and in a public museum exhibition.
“Whether it’s a funny moment, a favorite teacher, or a meaningful experience, we want to hear how LCPS shaped your life,” said LCPS Chief of Staff and project developer Josh Silver. “This is a chance to reconnect, reflect on your own personal story and help us celebrate the legacy of our schools.”
The online portal is now open to record personal histories. Current students and LCPS alumni can get involved by visiting this link to record a personal history in English or this link to record in Spanish.
In conjunction with the personal histories, the district is asking LCPS alumni to submit any memorabilia – photos, yearbooks, uniforms or other keepsakes – that help tell the story of their time spent in school. The submissions, treated as permanent donations to the district, will be shared as part of a special project to honor the rich history of LCPS and the incredible individuals who have passed through its halls.
History of Las Cruces Public Schools
Before the formation of Las Cruces Public Schools as an official school district, education in Doña Ana County included a mix of private and church schools, often informal and limited in scope. According to online records, the Las Cruces School Association raised enough money to open the South Ward School, located on the corner of Alameda and Amador, in 1893. Famed architects Trost and Trost were later commissioned to design Lucero School in 1914, located at 1300 E. Griggs. At the time Lucero opened, Grandview School was also in operation and would later become Bradley Elementary.
Las Cruces Union High School, now known as Las Cruces High School, opened in 1918, becoming the area’s first public high school. In 1934, a growing population led the City of Las Cruces to consolidate schools into one district, creating the Las Cruces School District No. 2.
Today, LCPS serves more than 22,000 students across 40 schools. Since its early years, the district has expanded to include bilingual education and community engagement. More recently, LCPS has invested in student mental health, diversity and inclusion and the expansion of career and technical education opportunities – preparing students to succeed no matter what their post-secondary plans may be.
Get Involved
Current students and LCPS alumni can get involved by visiting this link to record a personal history in English or this link to record in Spanish.
Memorabilia donations can be made during regular business hours at the Dr. Karen M. Trujillo Administration Complex, 505 S. Main Street in Las Cruces. For more information on permanent donations, contact Brigitte Garibay, (575) 527-6014.