Private Tour of the Plaza del Cerro, Chimayo with Don Usner &
Dinner at Rancho de Chimayo Restaurant
Sunday, October 1, 2017
Tour at 3pm and Dinner at 5pm
Don Usner has intimate experience with the Plaza del Cerro, having spent time growing up and playing there on his grandmother's property on the Plaza. Contining this exploration, as a historian, photographer, resident and supporter of the community, Don is highly knowledgable and passionate about the history and preservation of Chimayo and its Plaza. It is the last remaining fortified plaza in New Mexico and a significant historic site and it is in disrepair. During the summer of 2017 the Historic Santa Fe Foundation along with Cornerstones Community Partnerships and the Chimayo Cultural Preservation Association worked on a restoration project at Casita Martina, on the northwest corner of the plaza. The team rebuilt adobe walls and installed windows and doors, with roof repairs underway next week. These efforts saved Casita Martina and helped protect the adjacent family chapel that is a gem of community devotion and santero art – the Oratorio de San Buenavenura.
This is a special opportunity to see and visit a wonderful historic site that is little known and in danger of deteriorating into obscurity. There is no better informed and dedicated Chimayo devotee than Don Usner to take us back into the history of place who had graciously donated his time for this special gathering. Don will lead the tour from the Chimayo Museum around and through the plaza with a stop at the restoration of Casita Martina where we will hear input from HSFF Restoration Specialist Mara Saxer who worked with our summer Intern on the project. We will be allowed into the chapel for a look and history from Don. Following the tour, that should take an hour and a half, we will convene at the Rancho de Chimayo Restaurant for an inclusive five-item menu dinner.
Don Usner is a renowned photographer and author of Sabino’s Map: Life in Chimayó’s Old Plaza, the superb history of the Plaza del Cerro, Chasing Dichos through Chimayó, a follow up book on Chimayo focused on the Spanish language proverbs of the area, and his essay and photography for !Órale! Lowrider: Custom Made in New Mexico. Don was named A New Mexico Luminaria by the New Mexico Community Foundation in 2013.
Proceeds of this exclusive outing will go to furthering projects like Casita Martina by HSFF and educational opportunities and outreach in Santa Fe and surrounding areas. We will send further information on directions, parking, and the Rancho menu upon receipt of your reservation. Thank you for supporting this important restoration work and historical education by the Foundation.
Price per person of this exclusive tour and dinner is $175 per person through the HSFF offices. Reservations are required, limited to 26 individuals and will be filled on first come, first serve basis until full. Deadline for reservations is Friday, September 29, 2017 at 1pm.
Contact for questions and reservations: Call or email Melanie McWhorter at 505-983-2567 or melanie@historicsantafe.org or visit the Chimayo Tour page.
Price per person of this exclusive tour and dinner is $175 per person through the HSFF offices. Reservations are required, limited to 26 individuals and will be filled on first come, first serve basis until full. Deadline for reservations is Friday, September 29, 2017 at 1pm.