Silver City Things to Do Tips by Basaic Top 5 Page for this destination

Silver City Museum

The Silver City Museum is located in an 1881 home built in the Mansard-Italianate Style of architecture, for the H. B. Ailman Family. Today, it houses some interesting displays about the history of the area. Hours are 9 AM to 4:30 PM Tuesday through Friday and 10 AM to 4 PM on Saturday and Sunday. The museum is closed on Mondays. Admission is free but a donation of $3 per person is "suggested". The building housing the museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Address: 312 W. Broadway, Silver City, NM 88061

Phone: (575) 538-5921

Website: http://www.silvercitymuseum.org

Silver City Museum: The Cupola

Architecturally, one of the most interesting parts of the museum is the cupola. When the home was first built the cupola helped cool the home and provided natural lighting. Today, it offers visitors a nice view of the town. The view to the north is dominated by the Western New Mexico Campus and "Gospel Hill", so called because of the number of churches located there. To the south you will see one of Silver City's oldest neighborhoods. It is named "La Capilla" for the chapel that was located on the hilltop until 1915. To the west the view is dominated by the Grant County Court House.

Address: 312 W. Broadway, Silver City, NM 88061

Phone: (575) 538-5921

Website: http://www.silvercitymuseum.org

Silver City Museum: Historical Recreations

There are some recreations of shops and other places important to the history of Silver City. The first bank in the area was established in the nearby town of Tyrone. Schools are also important to all towns, the teachers train the leaders of tomorrow. Of course, no museum in Silver City would be complete without a display about Billy the Kid.

Address: 312 W. Broadway, Silver City, NM 88061

Phone: (575) 538-5921

Website: http://www.silvercitymuseum.org

Silver City Museum: Historical Displays

There are several historical display in the museum covering the early and later history of the town and the area. The earliest inhabitants in the area were hunter gatherer tribes followed by the Mimbres People who came here about 900 AD. The Spanish came here in the 1400s. Just like today, people from a large number of countries contributred to the rich tapestry that was New Mexico. Mining was very important to the area too. One of the unsung heroes of the old west were the merchants who imported the goods needed by area residents. The late 1800s were a very interesting time in the history of Silver City.

Address: 312 W. Broadway, Silver City, NM 88061

Phone: (575) 538-5921

Website: http://www.silvercitymuseum.org

Silver City Museum: The Ailmans

Displays in the museum include several items belonging to the Ailman Family, including a recreation of their parlor.

Address: 312 W. Broadway, Silver City, NM 88061

Phone: (575) 538-5921

Website: http://www.silvercitymuseum.org

Western New Mexico University Museum

One place not to miss in Silver City is the Western New Mexico University Museum. It is located in Fleming Hall toward the back of the campus. They are reported to have a very fine collection of Mimbres Pottery and other exhibits. Unfortunately the museum was closed when I tried to visit so I have little to no firsthand information. I will expand this tip next time I am in town. I just wanted to let you know the museum is here. Hours are (normally) 9 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday and 10 AM to 4 PM Saturday and Sunday.

Website: http://www.wnmu.edu/univ/museum.htm

Western New Mexico University

Silver City is also the home of the Western New Mexico University. The university has all the usual attractions, an art gallery, a museum etc. It is situated on a hill affording a nice view of the town, and is a pretty campus. I also liked the little Alumni Garden

Website: http://www.wnmu.edu/

Historic District: Palace Hotel

The Palace Hotel was built near the Bell Block in 1890 and was one of the most important hotels in town.

Website: http://www.silvercity.org

Historic District: Methodist Church

I am not sure what the historic information is on this church, I just liked the design.

Website: http://www.silvercity.org

Historic District: Martin Maher House

Directly across the street from the Saint Vincent de Paul Church is the Martin Maher House. This home is a nice example of the Queen Anne-style of architecture and was built in 1887 of locally obtained red brick.

Website: http://www.silvercity.org/