The Upcoming “Queens of Las Cruces” Exhibit at the Branigan Cultural Center Needs Community Input

The Branigan Cultural Center invites the public to relive the schoolyard memories of days gone by with the “Queens of Las Cruces” exhibit opening in Spring 2027. This exhibit will feature the pictures, memorabilia, and story of the Grandview May Festivals held between approximately 1948 and 1962.

The museums are seeking photographs, crowns, gowns, programs, and any other memorabilia associated with the Grandview Elementary May Festivals, including stories from former students, staff, and community members who attended these events.

Those who fill out the survey will be asked for any stories about the Grandview May Festival, as well as any information about Mrs. Corinne Woodson Bradley, the principal of the school and founder of the Grandview May Festival. Testimonials and memorabilia of the queens and princesses of the various years of festivals are also highly sought after.

If you have any images, items, or stories about the Grandview May Festivals, please visit the survey. Please note that by filling out the survey, you consent to the potential use of your words, images, or items if they are selected by our jury to appear in the exhibit. The museums will be in contact with you via the email you enter if anything you provide is to be used.

Surveys and images must be submitted via SurveyMonkey. The application form will be available at https://www.SurveyMonkey.com/r/QueensOfLC or through the Las Cruces Museums website at https://www.LasCruces.gov/QueensOfLC. The deadline for submissions is 11:59 p.m. (MST) on Saturday, November 7, 2026. For more information, visit LasCruces.gov/Museums or email Galen Skibyak, Visitor Experience Curator, at [email protected].

The “Queens of Las Cruces” exhibit is slated to open on Friday, February 5, 2027, at the Branigan Cultural Center.

The Branigan Cultural Center is located at 501 N. Main St. and is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. There is no admission charge. The museum is accessible from RoadRUNNER Transit Route 1 Stop 1. For additional information, visit the website at https://www.LasCruces.gov/Museums or call (575) 541-2221, TTY 711.