Hispanic Genealogical Research Center of NM Speaker Series: Dr. Richard Melzer

Saturday, March 14, 2026
10:30 am – 12:00 pm

NHCC | Dominici Education Building. Rm.122-124

Please join the Hispanic Genealogical Research Center of New Mexico for the next speaker series featuring Dr. Richard Melzer. Dr. Melzer is a retired Professor of History with the University of New Mexico’s Valencia Campus, and a former President of the Historical Society of New Mexico. He is a renowned historian, author, and educator whose work has significantly shaped the understanding and appreciation of New Mexico’s rich past.

Dr. Melzer will lead the conversation about W.P.A., in N.M. Depression Era (1935-1943) Economic Help of Infastructure & Construction +300 – Art & Culture – Music. Its important impact on New Mexicans of this challenging time. The Works Progress Administration (WPA; from 1935 to 1939, then known as the Work Projects Administration from 1939 to 1943) was an American New Deal agency that employed millions of jobseekers (mostly men who were not formally educated) to carry out public works projects, including the construction of public buildings and roads. It was set up on May 6, 1935, by presidential order, as a key part of the Second New Deal.

Based on archival material and interviews with former enrollees, Dr. Melzer tells the story of some 50,000 young men who worked in the Corps, an initiative of the New Deal program, to support their families and learn skills when the private sector failed them. Great pains were taken, he notes, to keep the Corp from becoming a paramilitary organization, but when World War II broke out, military recruiters plundered it to acquire well-disciplined and highly skilled soldiers. He also describes the enduring contributions the program made to the state.

Richard Melzer is also a guest columnist for the Valencia County New-Bulletin. He has written several columns. One of which is “Eleanor Roosevelt: The first First Lady to visit Valencia County” published on Jan 19th, 2023.

This is a free community event and open to the public. No reservation is required.