How to Explore the Dust Bowl Exhibits at the State Fairgrounds Albuquerque

The Dust Bowl was one of the most devastating environmental and economic disasters in American history, reshaping the lives of millions during the 1930s. Today, historical exhibits dedicated to this era serve as powerful educational tools, preserving the memory of resilience, hardship, and adaptation. While many associate the Dust Bowl with the Great Plains states like Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas, the State Fairgrounds in Albuquerque, New Mexico, hosts a unique and deeply impactful collection of artifacts, multimedia installations, and personal narratives that illuminate how this national catastrophe reverberated across the Southwest.

Exploring the Dust Bowl exhibits at the State Fairgrounds Albuquerque is not merely a visit to a museum—it’s an immersive journey into a pivotal chapter of U.S. history. These exhibits are curated with scholarly precision and emotional depth, offering visitors a nuanced understanding of migration patterns, agricultural collapse, government intervention, and cultural survival. For history enthusiasts, educators, students, and curious travelers, this experience provides invaluable context for understanding modern environmental policy, climate resilience, and socioeconomic inequality.

This guide offers a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough of how to plan, navigate, and fully engage with the Dust Bowl exhibits at the State Fairgrounds Albuquerque. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to deepen your understanding, this tutorial ensures you extract maximum educational and emotional value from your experience.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research Exhibition Dates and Hours

Before planning your visit, confirm the operating schedule of the Dust Bowl exhibits. Unlike permanent museum installations, these exhibits are often hosted within the larger State Fairgrounds complex during seasonal events or special historical commemorations. The exhibits typically open in late spring and remain accessible through early fall, coinciding with the New Mexico State Fair and other heritage-focused programming.

Visit the official New Mexico State Fairgrounds website and navigate to the “Exhibits & Events” section. Look for listings under “Historical Archives,” “Cultural Heritage,” or “Environmental History.” You may also search for “Dust Bowl Exhibit Albuquerque” using the site’s internal search function. If the exhibit is currently running, the page will list daily hours, admission fees (if any), and special guided tour times.

Pro Tip: The exhibit is often closed on Mondays and Tuesdays for maintenance. Plan your visit for Wednesday through Sunday to ensure full access.

2. Plan Your Transportation and Parking

The State Fairgrounds Albuquerque is located at 915 Rio Grande Blvd NW, a central location easily accessible by car, public transit, or rideshare. If driving, use GPS coordinates 35.0914° N, 106.6456° W to navigate directly to the main entrance. Ample free parking is available in designated lots surrounding the exhibit halls, with priority spaces for visitors with disabilities located near Building C, where the Dust Bowl exhibits are housed.

For public transit users, ABQ RIDE Route 10 (Rio Grande) stops directly outside the fairgrounds at the “State Fairgrounds / Rio Grande” station. Buses run every 30 minutes during peak hours and hourly during off-peak times. Check the ABQ RIDE website for real-time schedules and service alerts.

3. Obtain Admission and Map Materials

Admission to the Dust Bowl exhibits is free and open to the public. No reservations are required, but groups of 10 or more are encouraged to notify the exhibits coordinator via email (found on the official website) to ensure adequate staffing and guided availability.

Upon arrival, proceed to the Visitor Information Kiosk located just inside the main gate of Building C. There, you’ll receive a printed exhibit map, a timeline brochure, and a QR code linking to an augmented reality (AR) audio guide. The map highlights key stations: “The Black Blizzards,” “The Migrant Trail,” “Farming in the Dust,” “Government Response,” and “Voices of the Dust Bowl.”

Bring a smartphone with a fully charged battery to access the AR guide. The app, called “DustBowlAR,” overlays historical photographs onto the current exhibit space, allowing you to see 1930s families standing where you now walk, or watch a dust storm engulf a farmhouse through your camera lens.

4. Begin at the Entrance Installation: “The Sky Turned Brown”

The exhibit opens with a dramatic sensory installation titled “The Sky Turned Brown.” This immersive room features a 360-degree projection of a dust storm, synchronized with wind sounds, crackling radio broadcasts from 1935, and a subtle scent of dry earth and dust. A single bench in the center invites visitors to sit and absorb the atmosphere.

Take your time here. The installation lasts approximately five minutes. Resist the urge to rush. This is not background noise—it’s the emotional anchor of the entire exhibit. Notice how the lighting dims as the storm intensifies. Observe the projected shadows of children clutching wet cloths over their faces, a common practice during dust storms to filter air.

After the storm subsides, a small plaque reads: “In 1935, 14 million tons of topsoil blew across the plains in a single day. In New Mexico, the dust reached as far as the Rio Grande Valley. Homes were buried. Livestock suffocated. Children were hospitalized for dust pneumonia.”

5. Explore the “Migrant Trail” Display

The next station, “The Migrant Trail,” traces the movement of families from Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas who fled westward, many settling in the agricultural valleys around Albuquerque. This section features original suitcases, hand-sewn quilts, faded photographs, and handwritten letters from displaced families.

One of the most moving artifacts is a 1937 diary belonging to a woman named Lillian Hargrove, who walked 87 miles from Amarillo to Gallup with her three children, carrying only a tin of lard, a Bible, and a sewing machine. Her entry from June 12, 1937, reads: “We ate what we could find—wild onions, dried beans, a rabbit my boy shot. We didn’t cry. Crying didn’t help. We just kept walking.”

Interactive touchscreens allow you to trace migration routes on a digital map. Click on any town along the route to hear oral histories recorded in the 1970s by University of New Mexico historians. These interviews capture the voices of children who now live in Albuquerque but were born in the Dust Bowl. Their reflections on identity, loss, and belonging are profoundly moving.

6. Engage with the “Farming in the Dust” Interactive Station

Here, visitors can simulate the experience of plowing land during the Dust Bowl. A touchscreen interface lets you adjust soil moisture levels, wind speed, and crop type to see how different farming practices contributed to or mitigated erosion. You’ll learn how the widespread use of deep plowing in the 1920s destroyed native grasses that held the soil in place.

Compare two scenarios: one where a farmer uses contour plowing and crop rotation (practices later promoted by the Soil Conservation Service), and another where the land is left bare. Watch as the digital landscape erodes in real time under high winds. The contrast is stark—and sobering.

Adjacent to the screen is a display of actual 1930s farming tools: a broken plow blade, a rusted seed drill, and a hand-cranked dust mask. A short video narrated by a retired New Mexico farmer explains how his grandfather refused to adopt conservation methods until he lost his entire wheat crop in 1934.

7. Visit the “Government Response” Exhibit

This section details the federal programs launched under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal to combat the crisis. Learn about the creation of the Soil Conservation Service (now the Natural Resources Conservation Service), the Resettlement Administration, and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps that operated in New Mexico.

Original documents are displayed, including a 1936 CCC recruitment poster urging young men to “Work for the Land, Not Against It.” A replica of a CCC camp bunkhouse includes period-accurate bedding, tools, and a wall calendar marked with the dates of dust storms.

One of the most powerful elements is a wall of photographs showing the transformation of degraded land in the 1940s. Before-and-after images from the Pecos Valley demonstrate how terracing, windbreaks, and reseeding with native grasses restored the soil. These visuals underscore a critical message: human intervention, when informed and sustained, can heal ecological damage.

8. Listen to the “Voices of the Dust Bowl” Audio Booth

At the heart of the exhibit is a quiet, dimly lit booth with three headphones and a selection of 12 audio clips. Each is a 3- to 5-minute recording of individuals who lived through the Dust Bowl—some from New Mexico, others who passed through on their way to California.

Choose a clip at random. One features a Navajo elder recalling how dust infiltrated sacred ceremonial spaces, forcing communities to abandon rituals for years. Another is a young woman from Clovis who became a schoolteacher in Albuquerque and later advocated for environmental education. Her voice, calm and resolute, says: “I didn’t know then that the dust was a warning. Now I teach my students to listen to the land.”

Spending 15–20 minutes here is essential. The human stories transform statistics into empathy.

9. Participate in the “What Would You Carry?” Reflection Station

Before exiting, visitors are invited to sit at a small wooden desk and respond to a prompt: “If you had to leave your home with only what you could carry, what five items would you take—and why?”

Write your answer on a provided card and place it in a glass box labeled “Legacy of Resilience.” These cards are archived annually and displayed in a rotating digital slideshow on the exhibit’s website. Some have been incorporated into educational curricula for New Mexico public schools.

This station is not just a souvenir—it’s a bridge between past and present. It asks you to confront your own vulnerability and values, echoing the choices made by families 90 years ago.

10. Visit the Gift Shop and Take a Learning Kit Home

The exhibit’s gift shop offers curated, educational materials. Purchase a “Dust Bowl Learning Kit” for $12, which includes a reproduction of a 1937 WPA poster, a soil sample from the High Plains, a laminated timeline, and a reading list of primary sources. Proceeds support the preservation of oral histories and school outreach programs.

Also available: a children’s activity book, “Dust to Hope,” which includes coloring pages of migrant families, crossword puzzles based on Dust Bowl vocabulary, and a simple guide to soil conservation.

Best Practices

Arrive Early or Late to Avoid Crowds

Weekend afternoons, particularly Saturdays, draw the largest crowds. To experience the exhibit with greater intimacy and space for reflection, arrive between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. or after 3:00 p.m. The lighting during late afternoon enhances the projection effects in “The Sky Turned Brown” and creates a more contemplative mood.

Wear Comfortable Shoes and Layered Clothing

The State Fairgrounds is expansive, and the exhibit spans three connected halls. You’ll walk approximately 0.7 miles through indoor and semi-outdoor spaces. Wear supportive footwear. The exhibit halls are climate-controlled but can feel cool due to the intentional chill in the storm room. Bring a light jacket.

Bring a Notebook or Journal

Many visitors find the exhibit emotionally overwhelming. Having a journal allows you to record personal reflections, questions, or connections to current events. You may be inspired to write about climate change, displacement, or community resilience. These reflections become part of your own historical record.

Engage with Staff and Volunteers

The exhibit is staffed by trained volunteers, many of whom are descendants of Dust Bowl migrants or retired educators. They are not just information providers—they are storytellers. Ask them: “What’s one thing most visitors don’t realize about the Dust Bowl?” Their answers often reveal lesser-known truths, such as how Mexican-American laborers in New Mexico’s fields were excluded from federal aid despite suffering equally.

Limit Screen Time to Preserve the Experience

While the AR app and touchscreens are powerful, avoid spending too much time on devices. The exhibit’s strength lies in its physicality—the texture of a rusted tool, the smell of old paper, the silence after a recorded sob. Balance digital interaction with sensory presence.

Respect the Artifacts

Never touch displayed objects unless explicitly invited. Even the most fragile items—like a child’s doll made from corn husks or a torn schoolbook—are preserved with extreme care. Flash photography is prohibited to protect light-sensitive materials. Use natural light or the exhibit’s provided photo stations.

Connect the Past to the Present

As you walk through the exhibit, ask yourself: “What does this mean for us today?” The Dust Bowl was not just a weather event—it was the result of policy, greed, and ignorance. Today, we face similar challenges: prolonged droughts in the Southwest, overpumping of aquifers, and the displacement of communities due to climate change. The exhibit is not a relic; it’s a warning and a blueprint.

Tools and Resources

Official Exhibit Website

www.statefairgroundsabq.org/dustbowl

This site hosts downloadable lesson plans for K–12 educators, a virtual 360° tour of the exhibit, and an archive of all oral histories collected since 2018. It also lists upcoming lectures and film screenings related to the Dust Bowl.

DustBowlAR Mobile App

Available for iOS and Android. Download for free from the App Store or Google Play. Features include:

• Augmented reality overlays of historical scenes
• Audio narration by historians and descendants
• Interactive quizzes to test your knowledge
• Location-based triggers that activate content as you move through the exhibit

Recommended Reading

For deeper understanding, consider these primary and secondary sources:

• “The Worst Hard Time” by Timothy Egan – A Pulitzer Prize-winning narrative of survival during the Dust Bowl.
• “Dust Bowl: The Southern Plains in the 1930s” by Donald Worster – A seminal environmental history.
• “American Exodus: The Dust Bowl Migration and Okie Culture in California” by James N. Gregory – Explores cultural impact beyond the Plains.
• “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck – A fictional masterpiece rooted in real migrant experiences.

Oral History Archives

The University of New Mexico’s Center for Southwest Research maintains a digital archive of over 200 Dust Bowl interviews conducted between 1975 and 2005. Access at: digitalrepository.unm.edu/csw. Search “Dust Bowl New Mexico” to find transcripts and audio files.

Educational Kits for Teachers

Request a free Dust Bowl Curriculum Kit by emailing education@statefairgroundsabq.org. Each kit includes:

• 10 copies of the exhibit map
• 30 student reflection cards
• Video clips for classroom use
• Discussion prompts aligned with Common Core and New Mexico Social Studies Standards

Mobile Audio Guide (Alternative to AR)

For visitors without smartphones, a free audio guide is available via a landline phone located at each exhibit station. Dial the number on the placard to hear a 90-second commentary on the artifact in front of you. The guide is available in English and Spanish.

Virtual Tour Option

Can’t visit in person? The virtual tour on the official website includes narrated walkthroughs, zoomable artifact images, and embedded interviews. It’s optimized for desktop and mobile use and includes closed captions and screen-reader compatibility.

Real Examples

Example 1: A Teacher’s Field Trip

In 2022, Ms. Elena Rivera, a 7th-grade history teacher from Albuquerque Public Schools, brought her class of 28 students to the exhibit. Before the visit, her students read excerpts from “The Grapes of Wrath.” Afterward, each student wrote a letter to a Dust Bowl child, imagining what they would say to them today.

One student, Javier, wrote: “I’m sorry your home disappeared. But I’m glad you didn’t give up. I’m planting a garden at my house now. I want to make sure the soil stays strong.”

Ms. Rivera submitted the letters to the exhibit’s Legacy Box. Three were selected for display in the 2023 “Youth Voices” section. The experience transformed her curriculum. She now teaches environmental history as a core unit every year.

Example 2: A Descendant’s Return

In 2021, Harold Jenkins, 78, traveled from California to Albuquerque after seeing a photo of his grandmother’s suitcase in the exhibit. He had never known his family’s origin story—his mother rarely spoke of the past. When he saw the name “Mildred Jenkins, 1937” on the suitcase tag, he broke down.

He contacted the exhibit staff and shared his mother’s voice recording, made in 1989. The team digitized it and added it to the “Voices of the Dust Bowl” collection. Harold now volunteers at the exhibit, sharing his family’s story with school groups.

Example 3: A Climate Scientist’s Insight

Dr. Maria Lopez, a climatologist at Sandia National Laboratories, visited the exhibit while researching historical drought patterns. She was struck by how closely the 1930s climate data mirrored current projections for the Southwest.

She collaborated with the exhibit team to create a new display: “Dust Bowl Then, Drought Now.” Using satellite imagery and temperature maps, she showed how the same atmospheric conditions—high-pressure ridges, depleted soil moisture, and reduced vegetation—are reappearing today. The display has since become a permanent addition.

Example 4: A Family Reunion at the Exhibit

In 2020, the García family—14 members from three generations—gathered at the exhibit for their first reunion since the pandemic. Their great-grandmother had been a Dust Bowl migrant who settled in Las Cruces. They came to find her story.

They discovered her name on a list of WPA workers who helped build windbreaks in Bernalillo County. One cousin, a photographer, took portraits of each family member standing in front of her photo. They created a digital scrapbook and donated it to the archive.

“We didn’t know we were part of history,” said the youngest child, age 10. “Now I know we’re still writing it.”

FAQs

Is the Dust Bowl exhibit suitable for children?

Yes. The exhibit is designed for all ages. Younger children (ages 5–10) benefit from the tactile displays, coloring sheets, and AR visuals. The content is handled with sensitivity—no graphic images of suffering are displayed. The “What Would You Carry?” station is especially engaging for kids.

Are there guided tours available?

Yes. Free guided tours are offered daily at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Each tour lasts 45 minutes and is led by a trained docent. No registration is required—just arrive 10 minutes early at the Visitor Kiosk. Private group tours can be arranged by email.

Can I take photos inside the exhibit?

Photography is permitted without flash. Tripods and professional equipment require prior approval. The exhibit encourages visitors to share their experience on social media using the hashtag

DustBowlABQ. Selected posts are featured on the exhibit’s digital wall.

Is the exhibit wheelchair accessible?

Yes. All areas are fully accessible. Elevators connect the three exhibit halls. Wheelchairs are available at the main entrance on a first-come, first-served basis. The AR app includes audio descriptions for visually impaired visitors.

How long should I plan to spend at the exhibit?

Most visitors spend 60 to 90 minutes. If you engage with all audio clips, interactive stations, and reflection prompts, allow up to two hours. For educators or researchers, plan for three hours to fully absorb the materials.

Is there food available nearby?

Yes. The State Fairgrounds has multiple food vendors offering local cuisine, including green chile burgers, tamales, and fresh fruit. The exhibit’s gift shop also sells bottled water and snacks. There are picnic tables outside Building C for those who bring their own meals.

Can I volunteer at the exhibit?

Yes. Volunteers are essential to the exhibit’s operation. Training is provided. Opportunities include docent roles, archival assistance, and event coordination. Apply at www.statefairgroundsabq.org/volunteer.

Is there a cost to visit?

No. Admission to the Dust Bowl exhibits is always free. Donations are accepted and go toward preserving artifacts and expanding educational outreach.

Does the exhibit change annually?

The core exhibit remains consistent, but rotating elements are added each year. These may include new oral histories, student artwork, or temporary installations on climate resilience. Check the website before your visit to see what’s new.

How can I support the exhibit?

You can donate directly via the website, sponsor a school field trip, or contribute a family artifact for display. The exhibit also accepts donations of historical documents, photographs, and audio recordings related to migration and environmental change in the Southwest.

Conclusion

Exploring the Dust Bowl exhibits at the State Fairgrounds Albuquerque is more than a historical tour—it is an act of remembrance, responsibility, and renewal. The exhibits do not simply recount a tragedy; they invite you to witness the dignity of those who endured it, to understand the consequences of environmental neglect, and to recognize the enduring power of community and adaptation.

By following this guide, you ensure that your visit is not passive but deeply engaged. You become part of the living legacy of the Dust Bowl—not as a spectator, but as a witness, a learner, and a steward of its lessons.

The winds that blew dust across the plains in the 1930s have not disappeared. They have changed direction. Today, they carry the smoke of wildfires, the pollen of invasive species, and the silence of abandoned farms. The Dust Bowl exhibit reminds us that the land remembers. And if we listen closely, it will teach us how to listen—to the earth, to each other, and to the generations yet to come.

Visit. Reflect. Act. The past is not behind us. It is beneath our feet.