Preserving History and Democracy
A podcast dedicated to teaching and informing our listeners regarding elections and the fascinating history of Doña Ana County, New Mexico.
Episodes
In this episode of Preserving History and Democracy, the Doña Ana County Clerk's Office welcomes David Davoust, founder and CEO of Robis Elections, for a behind-the-scenes conversation on election technology, security, and innovation in New Mexico elections. From cybersecurity and AI safeguards to new hand tally systems and semi-open primary changes, the discussion highlights how counties, vendors, and election officials work toget...
In this episode of Preserving History and Democracy, Cynthia Diaz and Bernardine Caporale are joined by Jennifer Kleitz, District Manager for the Doña Ana Soil and Water Conservation District, for an in-depth conversation on conservation, community partnerships, and the future of natural resources in southern New Mexico.
From t...
This week, the Preserving History and Democracy team hits the road for a special behind-the-scenes episode at the New Mexico State Archives. Join state archivists Elena Pérez-Lozano and Jonathan Pringle as they reveal how history is preserved from centuries-old documents and rare voter rolls to mysterious crime scene sketches and records dating back to the 1500s. Explore the hidden stories within t...
In the latest episode of Preserving History and Democracy, we sit down with local historian and author David Thomas to explore the fascinating life of Giovanni Maria de Agostini, the mysterious hermit who traveled across South America before arriving in the Mesilla Valley. Drawing from his book Giovanni Maria de Agostini, W...
Take a behind-the-scenes look at election administration in this special "on tour" episode of the Preserving History and Democracy podcast, recorded live at the New Mexico Secretary of State's Office in Santa Fe. Host Caroline Zamora is joined by Election Director Mandy Vigil and Bureau of Elections Supervisor Janice Giron for an engaging conversation about public service, the evolution of elections, and what it takes to support vo...
In our latest episode of Preserving History and Democracy, we sit down with Emily Wilson of the Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site to uncover the lives of J. Paul Taylor and Mary Daniels, and how their home became a living time capsule of Southern New Mexico history. From rich cultural artifacts to stories of community, art, and legacy—this episode brings the past to life in a powerful way.
Hosted by: Caroline Zamora, Angelica Valenzuela...
In this episode of Preserving History and Democracy, we recap Filing Day in Doña Ana County—an exciting kickoff to the election season filled with enthusiastic candidates, community spirit, and behind-the-scenes moments. Hear directly from local candidates about why they're running and what drives their commitment to public service.
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In this special milestone episode, the Doña Ana County Clerk's Office celebrates 100 episodes of Preserving History and Democracy—a journey dedicated to telling the stories that shape our community. From historic documents stored deep in the county archives to heartfelt memories shared by guests and historians, this episode...
Join us for a special episode of Preserving History & Democracy as we record from the historic Las Cruces Railroad Museum in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Communications Coordinator Cynthia Mendoza and producer Bernardine Caporale sit down with museum curator and educator Kyle McGregor to explore the powerful role railroads played in shaping the Mesilla Valley. In this episode, we discuss how the arrival of the railroad in 1881 helped tr...
All aboard for a journey through history with Preserving History and Democracy! In this episode, Cynthia Diaz and Bernardine Caporale chat with historian Dr. Richard Meltzer about the legendary Fred Harvey Houses and the adventurous Harvey Girls. Learn how Harvey transformed train travel with efficient dining, luxurious hotels, and cultural tourism that celebrated Native American crafts. Hear ...
In this episode of Preserving History and Democracy, Cynthia Diaz and Janice Giron sit down with Doña Ana County Commissioners Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez and Manuel Sanchez for an engaging conversation abo...
In this special episode of Preserving History and Democracy, hosts Cynthia Diaz and Bernardine Caporale are joined by Lenora Hawkins from the Clerk's Office to talk all things Romance at the Rotunda—the most love-filled day of the year at the Government Center!
From how to get your marria...
Welcome to the latest episode of Preserving History and Democracy! In this episode, we take the podcast on the road for a truly special episode—recorded inside one of the oldest and most beloved restaurants in Las Cruces. Join us as we sit down with Victor Gallegos of Nopalito's to explore more than 60 years of family history, community resilience, and the culture that shaped Mesquite Street and t...
Welcome to the season finale of Preserving History and Democracy! In this special episode, Cynthia and Bernardine look back at one of the podcast's most dynamic seasons yet—packed with history, community voices, and critical conversations about democracy.
The season opens with Episode 1,
Welcome to the latest episode of Preserving History and Democracy! In this episode, Doña Ana County Clerk Amanda López Askin, Chief Deputy Clerk Caroline Zamora, and Elections Supervisor Janice take listeners behind the scenes of the 2025 Regular Local Election. From certification to canvass to brand-new pilot programs, the team explains exactly what happens after voters cast their ballots and why...
Welcome to the latest episode of Preserving History and Democracy! In this episode, we take listeners on a captivating journey into one of the borderland's most overlooked historical chapters. Our guest, Joel Gonzalez Parra—historian, researcher, and recent NMSU graduate joining us from Washington, D.C.—shares the compelling story of the repatriate colonies that emerged in the aftermath of the Mex...
In this deeply enriching episode of Preserving History and Democracy, host Cynthia Mendoza and producer Bernardine Caporale sit down with two remarkable women at the forefront of cultural and historic preservation in Doña Ana County: Corrina ...
Welcome to the latest episode of PRreserving History and Democracy! In this episode, we delve into the hidden history of the Conversos—the descendants of Jews who were forced to convert to Christianity during the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions—and trace their remarkable journey across centuries and continents.
Our g...
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