About Us

Mission of the Society:
To assemble, preserve and interpret the history of Southeast New Mexico and to promote a great interest, understanding and appreciation of the area's past.

About the House:

Once the stately home of Mr. and Mrs. James Phelps White and a Roswell Landmark since it's completion in 1912, this grand house now serves as the Historical Society of Southeast New Mexico and Archives. The museum is a reminder of turn-of-the-century live in Chaves County, New Mexico.

The house, located at the corner of North Lea and West Second Street in Roswell, New Mexico, is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

Construction of this home was completed in 1912, the same year New Mexico became a state. The architecture or style of the home is called "Prairie" or "Scooner," a design developed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the early 1900's.

Our antique filled home is available for special events such as weddings & receptions, and photography opportunities.

The archive building provides an abundance of rare & historical books, over 14,000 photos, hundreds of manuscripts plus maps, audio tapes, ovituaries, newspapers and more.

Staff and archives are available M-W-F from 1:00 pm to 4 pm and by appointment.

The Community Room in the Archive Building can be rented for banquets, dinners, receptions, meeting, etc., with a capacity of 85-105 people.