Compare New Mexico’s Conversos and Crypto-Jews in Santa Fe by Road Scholar

Day 1 Program Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner Santa Fe, NM

Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.

Program Registration: 3:00-5:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please look for your Group Leader when you check in. Orientation: 5:00 p.m. Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Our Group Leader will be the Study Leader for most lectures and field trips during this program. All activities during this program take place at an elevation between 5,000 and 7,500 feet; routine physical activity will be more challenging than at sea level. Transportation for program-related activities will be via motorcoach unless specified otherwise. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, relax, and get a good night’s sleep for the full day ahead.

At 6:30 p.m. in the hotel meeting room.

Day 2 New Mexico & Sephardic History, Plaza Walk, Performance Santa Fe, NM

Walking up to 2 miles; paved, uneven sidewalks; some stairs. Extent and duration of walking during independent explorations according to personal choice.

In the hotel meeting room, a local expert will introduce the fascinating history of Conversos and Crypto-Jews, dating back to the time of the Spanish Inquisition that began its “investigations” in 1480. In 1492, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain signed what is known as the Alhambra Decree ordering Jewish residents in Spanish domains to convert or leave on pain of death. Many fled and some reached the New World. Following a short break, we will hear from another local expert about the Crypto-Jewish experience in New Mexico.

After lunch, we’ll head out on foot with our Group Leader to explore the Santa Fe Plaza. This is the historic heart of the city. We'll visit the Plaza area, Palace of the Governor's, the impressive Romanesque-style Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, and other sites as time permits as we learn more about the history of Santa Fe. There will be some free time for independent explorations before dinner.

We will ride to a special performance of Robert Benjamin’s contemporary play "Parted Waters," presented especially for our group by Teatro Paraguas. An international group of actors and artists created Teatro Paraguas in 2004. Although this group’s main mission is to produce bilingual Hispanic/Latino Theater and poetry performances, they will also produce works outside of that mission if they are deemed to be of social and political importance.

At the hotel.

At a local restaurant.

At the hotel.

Day 3 Independent Explorations, Genealogy Lecture, Meet a Converso Santa Fe, NM

Walking a few blocks over paved, uneven surfaces. Extent and duration of walking during independent explorations according to personal choice.

Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

In the hotel meeting room, we will have a presentation on genetic genealogy. Then, we'll hear from a presenter who will discuss her Converso/Crypto-Jewish heritage and her voyage of discovery into her own personal history. These fascinating presentations will be followed by a Q & A panel with the presenters followed by some free time and dinner on your own.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

At the hotel.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Santa Fe is known for the breadth and depth of its culinary offerings. Not to be confused with "Tex-Mex," New Mexican cuisine is a fusion of Native American and Spanish ingredients and techniques. There are a number of fine restaurants within walking distance of the Santa Fe Plaza. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Day 4 NM History, Chimayó, Los Alamos History & Science Museums Santa Fe, NM

Traveling about 150 miles, approximately 3 hours over the course of the day. Walking up to 2 miles; varied terrain. Standing and walking during museum visits.

We will gather in the hotel meeting room for an expert-led presentation that unpacks the unique and complex tapestry of New Mexico's cultural heritage as it evolved on the outer fringes of New Spain. Then we’ll board our motorcoach and travel 30 miles north to the community of Chimayó, NM. Upon arrival, we will visit the Santuario de Chimayó, This shrine, a National Historic Landmark, receives almost 300,000 visitors per year and has been called "the most important center in the United States for Catholic pilgrimage." Many of the faithful believe that the Santuario is built on sacred earth with miraculous healing powers. Inside, a small side room houses “el pocito” (the little well), that is the source of the “tierra bendita” (blessed earth).

Next, we’ll take a short drive to Los Alamos where we’ll have time for self-directed explorations of the Bradbury Museum of Science and the Los Alamos History Museum. The Bradbury Museum of Science has wonderful exhibits about the history of Los Alamos National Laboratory, its national security mission, and the broad range of science, engineering, and technology research programs including the Lab's focus on Stockpile Stewardship. The Los Alamos History Museum is located next to Fuller Lodge, once the dining hall for the Los Alamos Ranch School. Its mission is to preserve and share the history of Los Alamos through award-winning exhibits that include the geology and archaeology of the area, as well as exhibits dedicated to various aspects of the Manhattan Project.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

At historic Rancho de Chimayó, a charming restaurant housed in an old hacienda, featuring traditional New Mexican cuisine.

On your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Not to be confused with "Tex-Mex," New Mexico's unique cuisine has been influenced by ingredients and techniques used in Native American and Spanish cooking. Santa Fe is known for the breadth and depth of its culinary offerings. There are a number of fine restaurants within walking distance of the hotel and the Santa Fe Plaza.

Day 5 Crypto-Jews lecture, Museum Hill, Free Time, Program Closing Santa Fe, NM

Walking up to 2 miles; varied terrain with inclines. Standing up to 1 hour; limited opportunities for sitting at museum. Extent and duration of walking during independent explorations/free time according to personal choice.

We'll enjoy a presentation by a local expert on Crypto-Jews in the Americas: Mexico and New Mexico. Then we'll ride to Museum Hill for a self-directed field trip to the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture and the Museum of International Folk Art. The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture features pottery, jewelry, sculpture, baskets, and other objects made by Native Americans from the earliest times to modern day, scrupulously documented and beautifully displayed. Most of the work is from the Southwest. The Museum of International Folk Art hosts the largest collection of international folk art in the world. Some of the items we may see include ceremonial dress and masks, furniture, and Lloyd Cotsen’s Neutrogena collection.

Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

We’ll gather for a wrap-up session to review the program and what we’ve experienced together. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Hotel buffet.

At a local restaurant.

At the hotel. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Day 6 Program Concludes Santa Fe, NM

Hotel checkout 11:00 a.m.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Hotel buffet. This concludes our program.