Nuevo Mexico Profundo Interview Series: William deBuys

We present an interview by Frank Graziano with William deBuys, as part of an oral biography project conducted by Nuevo Mexico Profundo, gathering a cross section of personalities and histories from New Mexico.

You will remember Nuevo Mexico Profundo as the venture that conducts tours of New Mexico churches on the High Road, in the mountain villages, at pueblos, to raise money for the repair and restoration of these churches so important to the communities where they reside. Profundo is a collaboration started by Frank Graziano and supported by the Historic Santa Fe Foundation, Spanish Colonial Arts Society, Cornerstones Community Partnerships, New Mexico Historic Preservation Division, the Office of the New Mexico State Historian, and the New Mexico Heritage Preservation Alliance. Given the conditions of the ongoing health crisis, tours and events planned by Profundo have been canceled for the year. This program of interviews was put into action according to social distancing and health regulations. You can learn more about Nuevo Mexico Profundo at nuevo-mexico-profundo.com.

Over time, the oral histories will be archived for access by researchers and general interest. The Historic Santa Fe Foundation will post individual interviews periodically, and will notify you through our 545 blog, with links to access.

This first interview is conducted by Frank Graziano with William deBuys at his home in El Valle, New Mexico. Bill, as you most probably know, is a wonderful writer, committed environmentalist, and currently the Board Chair of Searchlight New Mexico. His books included River of Traps, Salt Dreams, A Great Aridness: Climate Change and the Future of the American Southwest, and Valles Caldera: A Vision for New Mexico’s National Preserve, with photographer Don Usner. The interview is fascinating given Bill’s history in Northern New Mexico, as well as the constant buzzing from hummingbirds in the audio, and a fine interruption by Bill’s dog.

Enjoy this intimate reflection by William deBuys.