Rio Vista Farm in Socorro City received designation as a National Historic Landmark, and city and federal partners unveiled a bilingual federal plaque Saturday marking the recognition, KTSM reported.
The designation recognizes the site's role in the Bracero worker program and broader Latino history. Undersecretary Salazar of the U.S. Department of the Interior said the nomination grew out of a recent American Latino Heritage theme study and called the recognition "truly significant" to the community.
Astrid Lieberman, a historian, said the nomination is meaningful because it helps represent the voices of Bracero workers who lived and worked at Rio Vista Farm. Event organizers said the property—which includes more than 20 buildings—will be developed as a community hub that organizers hope will host the first Bracero history museum, a public library and a small-business incubator.
KTSM reported the City of Socorro worked with the National Park Service and the organization Latinos in Heritage Conservation for the dedication. Officials with the National Historic Landmarks Program told KTSM the designation marks an important moment for the community.
The announcement highlights local preservation and interpretation plans but did not include a timeline or funding details for the proposed museum, library or incubator. KTSM provided initial coverage and additional information on its website.