Dr. Stefanie Beninato will present "The Indian New Deal in the Southwest" at the Silver City Museum Annex on Saturday, November 14, 2015 from 12 noon to 1 pm. The Museum Annex is located at 302 West Broadway in downtown Silver City. This presentation is part of the Chautauqua Series and is sponsored by the New Mexico Humanities Council, the Department of Cultural Affairs, and the Silver City Museum Society.

The Indian New Deal marked a major change in relations between Native Americans and whites. Policy went from assimilation and integration to cultural preservation and self-government. John Collier, Indian commissioner, who created the policy, took the reforms from the Mexican Revolution and applied them to Native American groups here.

Dr. Stefanie Beninato is a long-time public historian, working on projects ranging from archaeological surveys to genealogy, land use and water law. She lectures and teaches to a wide audience on tours and in class rooms.

From archeology to cultural differences, from regional and individual histories to land use issues, NMHC Chautauqua speakers facilitate lively discussions of the subject at hand. The NMHC Chautauqua features a rich roster of specialists who speak with understanding and passion on topics which interest New Mexicans year after year. As New Mexicans, our cultural traditions are deeply rooted yet constantly evolving. NMHC speakers help us appreciate the diversity and scope of our heritage with informative and stimulating programs.

The Silver City Museum creates opportunities for residents and visitors to explore, understand, and celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of southwestern New Mexico by collecting, preserving, researching, and interpreting the region's unique history. For more information, please contact the museum at (575) 538-5921, info@silvercitymuseum.org, or go to the museum's website www.silvercitymuseum.org.