New Mexico State Historian Rob Martinez will discuss the history of racial identity and the colonial caste system during a lecture in Corrales on Sunday, May 24.
The presentation, titled “Casta: Race & Identity in Colonial New Mexico,” examines how racial mixing shaped society during the Spanish colonial period. Martinez will use historical research, genealogy, and DNA to explore the origins of Hispano roots in the region.
The free presentation begins at 2 p.m. at the Historic Old San Ysidro Church, located at 966 Old Church Road. Because the venue limits seating to 150 people, the Corrales Historical Society recommends that attendees arrive early. For more details, community members can visit corraleshistory.org.