Katrina Gallegos takes reins at Coronado-Jemez Historic Site

Katrina Gallegos is the new regional site manager of the Coronado-Jemez Historic sites.

Gallegos has been the manager since Nov. 27, but she is no stranger to New Mexico’s history and traditions.

“My family has been in New Mexico since 1730 and I am Hispanic, so I care deeply about New Mexico’s history and culture,” Gallegos said.

She is from the Cinco Puntos/Atrisco neighborhood in Albuquerque’s South Valley and also serves as a water commissioner with the South Valley Regional Acequia Association.

Gallegos’s focus for the Coronado-Jemez Historic Sites is saving and sharing New Mexico history and traditions.

“I want people to know that history is complex, that there is more than one side to history and that the people who occupied this place aren’t stuck in time … the indigenous people that lived here are still here,” Gallegos said.

Gallegos graduated from the University of New Mexico with a B.A. in Spanish and is a Ronald E. McNair Scholar, a scholarship given to underrepresented students in graduate programs. She also conducted research on the shared folkloric music found in New Mexico and northern Mexico.

“When I saw the position at Coronado and Jemez, I knew it aligned with my goal of promoting New Mexican history,” said Gallegos.

After graduating from UNM, Gallegos earned her M.A. in museum studies at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.

“In this position I aim to be a steward who enthusiastically serves while creating an environment that encourages curiosity while having fun. I look forward to working with the staff of Coronado-Jemez, the Coronado-Jemez Friends Group and local leaders. I also hope to build relationships with the communities of Bernalillo, Jemez, greater Albuquerque and Rio Rancho,” Gallegos said.