Civilian Conservation Corps topic of Culture Series

The history of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in New Mexico is the topic of the next Culture Series presentation at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum (FRHM), 4100 Dripping Springs Road.

Richard Melzer, Ph.D., University of New Mexico-Valencia campus regents professor history, is the speaker for the May 11 presentation, which begins at 7 p.m. in the museum theater. His presentation, "Coming of Age in the Great Depression: The Civilian Conservation Corps Experience in New Mexico, 1933-1942," is based on his book of the same name, the museum said in a news release.

There is no charge to attend and the public is welcome.

The monthly Culture Series is organized and hosted by the Friends of FRHM.

Melzer will discuss how CCC projects impacted New Mexico, its resources and its population during the Great Depression. The CCC was one of the first New Deal programs, begun by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1933 and continuing through 1942. During the depth of The Depression, it employed 54,000 young men in conservation projects across New Mexico. Melzer also will describe the value of the CCC in World War II and the post-war era, the news release said.

Melzer is the author of many books, including “A History of New Mexico Since Statehood,” “Don Perkins: A Champion’s Life,” “Sanatoriums of New Mexico,” “Ernie Pyle in the American Southwest” and “Casey Luna: A Colorful Life in Business, Politics and Motor Sports Championships

Contact the museum at 575-522-4100. Visit www.nmfarmandranchmuseum.org.