Fort Union National Monument is holding the annual "Cultural Encounters" weekend on June 22 and 23, 2013. The event weekend is FREE to the public and runs from 10am-6pm on Saturday and 10am-5pm on Sunday. Special emphasis will be placed on the Southwest in 1863, talks and demonstrations will be given, highlighting the military campaigns and actions which connected Fort Union to the Long Walk of Mescalero Apache and Navajo in 1863. Guest speakers include representatives from the Bosque Redondo/Fort Sumner State Monument and Canyon de Chelly National Monument. Presentations by the Maashlogee - Jicarilla Apache dance troupe The Butterfly Dancers will occur on both days.
Living history presenters include members of the Artillery Company of New Mexico and Fort Union's Company A of the 3rd New Mexico Volunteer Infantry. Buffalo Soldiers from Fort Davis National Historic Site will also present on the African-American soldiers of the 1870's along with a special presentation on Dr. Jonathan Letterman, the "Father of Modern Battlefield Medicine" by Dr. Robert Mallin. Additionally an exhibitor and children's tent area will highlight the local historical, cultural, and recreational opportunities in northeastern New Mexico. At 3:00PM on Saturday, the Los Zapateado dance group of Las Vegas, NM will give a special dance presentation which highlights cultural Hispanic dances of the 19th century in the Southwest.
As part of the weekend activities, visitors may take self-guided tours of Fort Union. Visitors should wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring a hat, sun block, snacks and water. Food and beverage services will be available on both days.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
