ABOUT US

The objectives and purposes of the SOCORRO COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY (SCHS) are to encourage appreciation of the history of Socorro, city and county, and the state of New Mexico. In support of its aims the Society will aid and assist in the preservation, reconstruction, collection, and publication of materials, documents, artifacts, and building having historical interest and significance.

The SOCORRO COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY (SCHS) was formed in 1963 by a group of local people desiring to preserve Socorro County's rich history. The first president of the society was Miss Marjorie Bradbury, followed by Mrs. Buford Richardson and Martin Speare.

In 1970, the Society was reorganized with Helen Sickles elected as president. The SCHS organizational By-laws were drafted and approved by the Board, and filed at the Socorro County Courthouse on June 17, 1970, recorded in Vol. 298, pages 209-210 by County Clerk Mary Lou Chavez.

SCHS was organized as a non-profit organization in 1979 by Dr. Spencer Wilson to legally accept donations, such as a portion of the Joseph Smith photos from Emory Smith, Crown Mill items from the Greenwald family, and in preparation for receiving the Hammel Brewery as a gift from Clarence Hammel. Articles of Incorporation were filed with the State of New Mexico on September 19, 1979. SCHS is a 501 (3)(c) corporation.

The HAMMEL BREWERY building and ice house was bequeathed to SCHS upon the death of Clarence Hammel in 1986 to preserve one of New Mexico's last standing Territorial era breweries for future generations to enjoy. It is operated today by SCHS as a living and growing museum.

History of SCHS
From El Defensor Chieftain, Nov. 17, 1968, special Centennial Issue

Historical Society Founded in 1963

The Socorro County Historical Society was founded in 1963. Its purpose is to foster interest in the history of Socorro County, and also Catron County, and in the preservation of historic materials relating to Socorro County.

The first president of the society was Miss Marjorie Bradbury. She was followed by Mrs. Buford Richardson and currently Martin Speare is president of the group [1968].

The society has 168 charter members and currently has a membership of about 60. It has published two volumes of its Publications in History. The first a collection of local and regional studies and reminiscences, the second a collection of old photographs. A third volume is in preparation.