Preserving Our Past for Our Future: Community Heritage, Resilience, and Challenges Facing the National Park Service
Preserving Our History Our Preserving Our History presentation featured Cristobal Lopez, Texas Program Manager for the National Parks Conservation Association, who shared powerful examples of how community advocacy and partnership can protect historic places. Cristobal discussed the extensive work that led to the Blackwell School in Marfa, Texas becoming a National Historic Site, emphasizing the
Indigenous Blacksmiths of the Missions
J. Alex Ruiz, is the blacksmith for the Alamo, a position that his 9th great grandfather, Juan Banul, once held as the original master blacksmith for San Antonio from 1725 until the 1750s. As a blacksmith/bladesmith he has been featured on the History Channel show Forged in Fire (season 5 episode 13 “The Horseman’s axe”
Preserving Our Past for Our Future
Cristobal Lopez, Texas Program Manager for the National Parks Conservation Association, will discuss how the Blackwell School National Historic Site and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park reflect community resilience and local voices.
4th Annual Kristela Cortez-King Fry Bread Social & Holiday Market
The 4th Annual Kristela Cortez-King Fry Bread Social and Holiday Market was a resounding success, bringing together community, culture, and celebration. Music, Fashion, and Cultural Expression The event featured special music performances by NTG Wind Walker and Steph Cash, with a powerful appearance by special guest Texas Connection Drum Group. A highlight of the day
Hidden Astronomy of the San Antonio Missions
On September 13, 2025, Gary Perez delivered a fascinating presentation on a rare astronomical alignment and its connection to the San Antonio Missions. He highlighted that from September 1–10, 2025, the five visible planets would align along the sun’s ecliptic in a pattern reminiscent of how the Missions were originally laid out along the river
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