America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places Designation, May 2025

• 2025 designation by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Submitted as a member of the Hidalgo County Historical Commission in partnership with the Save the San Juan Hotel Initiative and Latinos in Heritage Conservation.

Hosted and Managed Teacher Professional Development Workshop at the McAllen Public Library for Latinos in Heritage Conservation, June 5, 2025. 

• Presenters included Karina Amalbert and Jen Moran.

Congreso 2024, Latinos in Heritage Conservation August 7-10, 2024

• Served as a co-chair for the 5th Biennial Congreso meeting. Hosted in San Diego, California with local partners Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center.

• Coordinate with AV Company to record and livestream conference sessions. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_CLkBNNftA44VrTe3j0LsYlEyo6gL3bV&si=toQNLo2P_5SGIdlH

• Managed an International Bus Tour in partnership with ICOMOS México and La Secretaria de Cultura del Estado de Baja California.

• https://www.latinoheritage.us/congreso2024

Reimagining LatinX History, August 2, 2024

• Managed the presentation for Latinos in Heritage Conservation and hosted in partnership with UCLA Center X, UCLA History and Geography Project and Arte Público Press. https://centerx.gseis.ucla.edu/event/reimagining-latinx-narratives/

Vanguard Academy Family Day, Museum of South Texas History 2021 to 2023

• Museum wide family focused event managed for Vanguard Academy School district. Over 2,000 guests attended the event supported by a Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) grant from the Texas Education Agency.

Big Squeeze Conjunto Semi-Finals, Museum of South Texas History 2019 to 2022

• Project manager in partnership with Texas Folklife to host a youth accordion competition at the museum. During the pandemic, the competition was hosted virtually.

Planet Texas 2050, Museum of South Texas History 2021 to 2022

• Coordinated multi-year initiative in partnership with the Texas Advanced Computing Center, Microsoft Azure and the University of Texas Austin.

• Coordinated and hosted a Community Learning Exchange and Town Hall 2022.

• Coordinate three Sunday Speaker Series Online panel presentations in 2021.

Sunday Speaker Series, Museum of South Texas History 2015 to 2023

• Coordinated bi-monthly presentations focused on presenting borderland heritage. Transitioned programs to virtual platforms during the pandemic.

  • Sunday Speaker Series Online - MOSTHistory

Heritage and History Days/Pioneer & Ranching Crafts Day, 2016 to 2023

• Project manager for Museum of South Texas History events presenting borderland heritage with performers, demonstrations, food and activities. Rebranded in 2022.

Spring Break Cattle Drive/Spring Break Scavenger Hunt, 2017 to 2023

• Project manager for Spring Break programs focused on gallery scavenger hunt activity. 

Cascarón Event, Museum of South Texas History 2017 to 2023

• Project manager for Cascarón Easter heritage programs featuring cascarón kits, family activities, performances and food and craft vendors.

Mother’s Day at the Museum, Museum of South Texas History 2022 to 2023

• Project manager for Mother’s Day museum event featuring mariachi, student performances and family activities.

Summer Saturdays at the Museum/Summer Nights at the Museum, 2013 to 2023

• Project manager for summer family events focused on hands-on activities and puppet shows. Event started in 2013 as Summer Nights at the Museum, rebranded in 2022 to Summer Saturdays at the Museum.

Summer Camp at the Museum, July 2022

• Project manager for Summer Camp at the Museum where children practiced museum skills and created a pop-up exhibit at the end of camp week.

Grandparent’s Day, Museum of South Texas History 2014, 2017 & 2023

• Managed public program honoring Grandparents.

Día de los Muertos/Los Muertos Bailan Block Party Special Event, 2015 to 2022

• Project manager for museum wide special events focused on Mexican heritage. Partnered with the City of Edinburg and Area956 in 2022 to coordinate the Los Muertos Bailan Block Party, closing 3 blocks of downtown Edinburg with a total of 10,000 event visitors. 

Veteran’s Day Exhibit Reception, November 6, 2021

• Project manager for museum event in partnership with the City of Edinburg, 5x5 Brewery and the museum Exhibits staff.

Fiesta de Nochebuena/La Pastorela special event, 2015 to 2022

• Project manager for holiday events focused on borderland heritage including activities, exhibit based posada, performances and vendors.

Winter Texan Wednesday, Museum of South Texas History 2017, 2019, 2020

• Coordinate in partnership with the museum's Education department.

• February 2020 - René Ballesteros presenting “Frontier Times” and Father Greg Labus presenting “Bell of the Bessie.” 

MOSTHistory Happy Hour, 2016 to 2018

• 1910 Jail - January 2016

• March 2016

• June or July 2016

• September 2016

• River Frontier - May 2017

• Beer on Ice Age - September 2017

• Calaveras y Cervezas - November 2017

• Mystery at the Museum - December 2017

• Groves of Grapefruit - January 2018

• Livestock Show - March 2018

• 48th Birthday Celebration - April 2018

• Lucha Libre - June/July 2018

• Contraband and Corridos - August 2018

• Grito! - September 2018

• Try On History - November 2018

Virtual MOSTHistory Happy Hour, April 2020

• Project manager for the Virtual MOSTHistory Happy Hour online presentation series created in response to the COVID 19 pandemic and quarantine.

Open House at the Museum, Museum of South Texas History September 2019

• Free Community Day.

Pass the Pages, Museum of South Texas History April 2019

• Coordinated with the Collections Department to organize a book exchange during the Free Community Day.

Exhibit Image Project, Museum of South Texas History 2020 to 2023

• Coordinated museum staff and volunteers to organize and inventory past museum exhibit images.

Native Plant ID Project, Museum of South Texas History 2020

• Coordinated museum staff and volunteers to research and organize native plants on museum grounds. 

Scavenger Hunt Project, Museum of South Texas History 2020

• Coordinated museum staff and volunteers to research, create and execute Scavenger Hunt Activities for museum visitors. 

IDEA Academy Team Building Dinner, Museum of South Texas History February 2020

• Coordinated museum staff and school administration to host development for IDEA Academy public school staff.

Pokémon Go! Historic Walking Tour, Museum of South Texas History

August, September, October and November 2016

• Researched, organized and led a historic walking tour partnered with Pokémon Go! application in downtown Edinburg, Texas.

Curator Camp at the Museum, March 2014 and Summer 2022

• Co-project manager under the direction of museum Registrar, Dr. Lisa Adam.

Visited the Hidalgo County Commissioner’s Court, December 10, 2024

As part of the Hidalgo County Historical Commission.

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Museum Studies Staff Manager

Coordinate Museum Studies students from UTRGV Anthropology department at the Museum of South Texas History, 2015-2023

Museum of South Texas History Part Time Team Trainings

• Docent training held November 19, 2022.

• Docent Symposium presenter August 10, 2022.

• Gallery Host training held July 19, 2022.

• Docent training held June 28, 2021.

• 1910 Jail Exhibits training in March 2021.

¡Fandango! Museum Fundraising Auction and Event

Checked in guests using Bidpal Bidding systems. Helped bidders with registration and bidding in person and over the telephone. 2014, 2017, 2018, 2020-2022.

Museum of South Texas History Heritage Ranch Gala

Checked in guests, conducted living history interpretation, and helped with setup and cleanup of events. 2013-2015, 2017-2019, 2022.

Museum of South Texas History Evening with FRIENDs

Served as guest check in, bartender and helped with setup and cleanup of the event. 2013, 2014, 2016-2019, 2022.

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Mexican American Studies Student Workers

Coordinate student volunteers from the UTRGV Mexican American Studies faculty, Dr. Martiza de la Trinidad, Spring semester 2020.

Try On History Campaign Fundraiser

Raised money to spend on costume pieces at the Museum of South Texas History in 2018.

Save our Jail: Sip and See

Served at a private event at the Museum of South Texas History to welcome donors for the Save Our Jail capital campaign to remodel the museum’s 1910 Jail. May 2018.

Costume Department Manager

Managed staff and volunteers for organization and inventory of museum costume storage. 2015 to 2023.

Volunteer Manager for Museum Events

Managed volunteers for Museum of South Texas History events including orientation, administrative paperwork and supervision. In collaboration with the Engagement Zone at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, United Way and Volunteer South Texas, 2015 to 2023.

Regional History Summit @ South Texas College, August 7, 2025. Attended on behalf of Latinos in Heritage Conservation and the Hidalgo County Historical Commission.

Juneteenth Ceremony at Restlawn Cemetery in Edinburg, Texas, June 18, 2025. Representing as a member of the Hidalgo County Historical Commission.

Friends of the THC Gala, October 9, 2024

Austin, Texas.

IMLS Latinx Museum Studies Program Travel, July 24-28, 2024

Supported by University of Texas Rio Grande Valley for a site visit to the National Hispanic Cultural Center and the University of New Mexico.

Juntos Podemos -Arts and Cultura, June 13, 2024

Hosted by Somos El Poder.

San Juan City Commission Meeting. June 3, 2024.

Meeting regarding the preservation efforts towards the San Juan Hotel.

National Historic Landmark plaque dedication in Socorro, Texas. Rio Vista Farms. May 11, 2024

Latinos in Heritage Conservation and the City of Socorro. https://www.borderreport.com/news/socorro-to-celebrate-national-landmark-status-for-rio-vista-site/

Museum and identity interview – Jenn Edginton (Interview), November 19, 2023. Description: Interview with Jenn Edginton. Included in their dissertation. https://www.edgesofmuseums.com/resources/dissertation

LULAC Clubhouse 60 Visit, Houston, Texas. July 16-17, 2023.

Supported the Latinos in Heritage Conservation team for the Latinx Preservation Toolkit team visit.

Rio Grande Valley Community Weather and Climate Resilience Team Nov 17, 2022

Attended a meeting with regional partners hosted by the National Weather Service/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Brownsville, and Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Corporation in Weslaco, Texas.

Hidalgo County Coin Club Scavenger Hunt Partnership April 23, 2022

Partnered with Coin Club for the museum to serve as a scavenger hunt site.

Opening of Franciscan Museum of Hebbronville Outreach August 2, 2022

Attended museum opening in Hebbronville, Texas

Dedication of Tejano Historical Burial Site Outreach April 2022

Hosted by the La Santa Cruz de la Conception Tejanos organization in Concepcion, Texas.

Pan American Round Table Edinburg Museum Tour October 20, 2021

Led museum tour for the Pan American Round Table Edinburg committee members.

Golden Grape Entertainment H-E-B Park Partnership October 31, 2020

Golden Grape Entertainment staff were provided the “How to Home Altar” video to be broadcast on the H-E-B Park big screen during the Carnival de Calaveras event. Golden Grape Entertainment staff also created a “Did You Know?” Instagram post from an interview.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CG8Ka9RHUuZ/

https://www.instagram.com/p/CG0RDZPn9EM/

National Youth Summit on Teen Resistance to Racial Injustice September 2020

Partnered with the International Museum of Arts and Science staff under the National Museum of American History’s youth initiative. Virtual sessions included students and teachers from Edcouch-Elsa ISD, McAllen ISD, Donna ISD, La Joya ISD, and Hidalgo ISD.

https://theimasonline.org/imas-mosthistory-hosted-local-students-for-smithsonians-national-youth-summit-on-teen-resistance-to-systemic-racism/

FESTIBA Community Day Outreach March 2020

Represented the Museum of South Texas History and presented a children’s activity at the Edinburg City Hall Courtyard promoting literacy.

UTRGV CHAPS Civil War Trail Event Outreach April 2019

Represented the Museum of South Texas History hosted by the Community Historical Archaeology Project with Schools (CHAPS) at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Edinburg campus. 

Sit and Sew Partnership February 1, 2020

Hosted at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Liberal Arts Building South in Edinburg, Texas in partnership with Jenny Saxton of the UTRGV Theater Department.

https://mosthistory.org/sit-and-sew-colonial-pockets-at-utrgvs-department-of-theatre/

Juneteenth Event at Cine El Rey Outreach February 1, 2020

Attended annual Juneteenth Celebration hosted at Cine el Rey in McAllen, Texas.

Annual RGV Juneteenth Celebration 2019 (Videos) : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming

1958 Edinburg Pony League Reunion Partnership August 2018

Coordinated a reunion and community reception for the 1958 Edinburg Pony League All Stars at the Museum of South Texas History in Edinburg, Texas.

Document Downtown Program Partnership January 2018

Partnered with International Baccalaureate McAllen at Lamar Academy for the Document Downtown project where students interviewed and documented downtown McAllen business owners and their business history.

EAST Foundation’s Behind the Gates Outreach 2014-2016, 2018, 2022

Presented “The True Tale of San Juan de Carricitos” reader’s theater play as part of IDEA Academy ranch visit hosted at the El Sauz Ranch, hosted yearly by the EAST Foundation.

https://www.eastfoundation.net/education/behind-the-gates/

Boys & Girls Club Edinburg Summer Program Outreach 2016 to 2022

Presented South Texas and Northeastern Mexico history for summer programming.

• 2022, 2021, 2019, 2016

Edinburg North High School Orchestra Performances 2017-2019, 2022-2023

Coordinated student performances during free admission community hours during winter Saturdays. Students used performance space as practice for upcoming solo competitions.

E.B. Guerra Elementary Christmas Carol Performances December 2017

Coordinated student performances during free admission community hours during winter Saturdays. Students used performance space as practice for upcoming solo competitions.

Winter Texan Expo Outreach 2017, 2019, 2023

Conducted Museum of South Texas History community outreach at the Winter Texan Expo organized by Welcome Home RGV. The expo is hosted at the McAllen Convention Center.

McAllen PalmFest/Fiesta de Palmas Outreach 2015, 2016 & 2018

Conducted Museum of South Texas History community outreach at the McAllen PalmFest/Fiesta de Palmas organized by the City of McAllen. The festival is hosted at the McAllen Convention Center.

Bike Friendly Business Partnership August 2017

Certified the Museum of South Texas History as a Bike Friendly Business in partnership with the Hidalgo County Metropolitan Planning Organization.

McAllen Travel and Adventure Show Outreach February 2017

Conducted Museum of South Texas History community outreach at the McAllen Travel & Adventure Show organized by the McAllen Convention Center in McAllen, Texas.

Edinburg World Birding Center RGV Coastal Expo Outreach 2016-2017

Conducted Museum of South Texas History community outreach at the RGV Coastal Expo organized by the Edinburg World Birding Center in Edinburg, Texas.

International Festival at St. George Orthodox Church Outreach 2015- 2017, 2019

Conducted Museum of South Texas History community outreach at the International Festival organized by St. George the Orthodox Church in Pharr, Texas.

Girl Scouts of America and Edinburg Fire Department Partnership September 2016

Coordinated with the Girl Scouts of America to honor first responders at the Edinburg Fire Department in Edinburg, Texas.

Alvarez Elementary Folklorico and Drum Line May 2016

Coordinated McAllen ISD Alvarez Elementary student performances at the Museum of South Texas History in Edinburg, Texas.

Parent Academy for Success of School (PASOS) Outreach May 2016

Presented Museum of South Texas History information for an outreach in Donna, Texas.

Edinburg Parent Youth Fair Outreach December 2015

Conducted Museum of South Texas History community outreach at the Edinburg Parent Youth Fair organized by the Edinburg Consolidated School District in Edinburg, Texas.

Edinburg Cultural Arts Pastorela Event Outreach December 2015

Conducted Museum of South Texas History community outreach at the Pastorela Event organized by the Edinburg Cultural Arts staff in Edinburg, Texas.

Edinburg Cultural Arts Los Muertos Bailan Event Outreach November 2015

Conducted Museum of South Texas History community outreach at the Los Muertos Bailan event organized by the Edinburg Cultural Arts staff in Edinburg, Texas.

Literature Around the World Literacy Night July 2015

Conducted outreach for the Museum of South Texas History with Literature Around the World Literacy Night hosted by Barrientes Middle School in Edinburg, Texas.

National Federation of the Blind Outreach July 2015

Conducted outreach for the Museum of South Texas History with Dr. Lisa Adam and Melodie Cuate for the National Federation of the Blind summer camp in Mission, Texas.

ECISD Jefferson Elementary Outreach July 2015

Conducted outreach for the Museum of South Texas History with Dr. Lisa Adam and Melodie Cuate at Jefferson Elementary School in Edinburg, Texas.

McAllen Heritage Center Collections Consultation December 2014

Visited the McAllen Heritage Center and provided best practice consultation on artifact storage and preservation with Museum of South Texas History collections staff, Dr. Lisa Adam and Phyllis Kinnison.

Edinburg Bike Path Ribbon Cutting September 20, 2013

Hosted by the City of Edinburg and Bike Texas representative, Mark Peña.

Bucky’s Block Party August 29, 2013

Conducted outreach for the Museum of South Texas History at Bucky’s Block Party hosted by the University of Texas Pan American in Edinburg, Texas.