both leonora and y.a. devoted themselves to transforming the property into a place where visitors could physically engage with the rich culture of the region and become immersed in the history of new mexico. existing historic buildings were restored, period structures were erected and historic buildings were brought in from other sites around new mexico. the museum officially opened its doors in the spring of 1972 and over time has grown into new mexico's premier living history museum. today the museum promotes and preserves the hispano heritage of northern new mexico, while at the same time building a better understanding of the lasting influence of hispanos in the southwest and the rest of the country.
