Welcome to the latest installment of Preserving History and Democracy! In this episode, we’re excited to welcome back local historian David Thomas as we explore the rich past of the village of Doña Ana.

David begins by sharing the fascinating origin of the village's name and what life was like for its earliest settlers. He then takes us on a journey through the history of Doña Ana's historic church, explaining how it was named and the story behind its iconic bell—a treasured gift from a neighboring village.

Next, Mr. Thomas dives into the legacy of one of the oldest courthouses in the area, uncovering its role in shaping local governance. He also discusses how the village's layout developed over time and highlights the critical importance of the community ditch, which was vital to the village’s survival.

To wrap up, Cynthia and Bern reflect on their visit to Doña Ana and the significance of preserving the stories that live on in some of the oldest corners of the county.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/aLUBDnN_MpQ?si=NyA1r6DcCGQGbeZI

Hosted by: Cynthia Mendoza, Bernardine Caporale 

Special Guest: David Thomas 

Produced by: Bernardine Caporale, Cynthia Mendoza, Jacob Slaughter 

Edited by: Jacob Slaughter