The Frank Hibben Center for Archaeological Research, part of the Maxwell Museum at the University of New Mexico, has become more than just a facility for archaeological study and artifact preservation since its opening in 2002. The center houses one of the largest collections of archaeological artifacts in New Mexico and features spaces such as an auditorium, atrium, seminar rooms, and a teaching laboratory.
In addition to supporting research and education, the Hibben Center serves as a gathering place for the local community. It is home to National Park Service employees who manage Chaco Canyon artifacts stored there, reflecting its role in serving local, national, and tribal interests.
The center now regularly hosts events ranging from lectures and exhibits to weekly Native American drum practices. Shield Chief, a local Native American drum group, uses the space every Wednesday for practice. Rachael Cassidy, a postdoctoral teaching fellow with the Museum Studies Program at UNM, played a key role in making this possible. “I am grateful that the Maxwell Museum and Museum Studies support community use of the space,” Cassidy said. She added: “I am very blessed to be a part of this community. This is for the students and local Albuquerque community. All are welcome at the practices. You do not need to be Native to attend. We laugh a lot and ground each other. It feels good to have a place to build an extended Indigenous family and local kinship.”
Shield Chief consists of 19 members—12 male singers, seven backup women singers known as The Canaries, and children learning their traditions. Drummers form a circle around one drum while backup singers surround them; men begin songs while women finish them.
Wil Gover founded Shield Chief and leads the group. He said: “The Hibben Center came to us when we needed a warm place to practice. It’s also a central location for the families to meet.” Leonard Lowe, another member, noted: “I am grateful for a safe place to practice. In the past, we have had the cops called on us for disturbing the peace. So, we can’t practice just anywhere.” Narcisso Toledo shared his perspective: “I like sitting here where I can see the totem pole. With its history, I like to think our playing helps heal it, and it’s nice to know it’s looking down on us while we play.”
Practices often include conversation about music details as well as sharing meals among families attending.
Shield Chief has performed at powwows throughout New Mexico and hosted events in Tucson as well as Colorado cities such as Colorado Springs and Denver.
Julián Antonio Carrillo, Curator of Public Programs at Maxwell Museum, emphasized inclusivity: “I want the UNM community, and the greater Albuquerque community to know that the Maxwell Museum is theirs,” he said. “I want folks to feel welcome, but symbolically appropriate the space and use it to advance their community-building and educational goals. This is why having Shield Chief is so meaningful to me and the museum.”
A schedule of events held at Hibben Center can be found on the Maxwell Museum’s website. For information about renting space at Hibben Center, interested parties may contact Sandy Lujan by phone or email.
