New Mexico woman earns prestigious preservation honor

Patty Guggino of Los Lunas, N.M., on Monday earned the prestigious Historic Preservation Medal from the Daughters of the American Revolution.

She is the first resident of New Mexico to win the honor, and only the 16th in the United States, according to a report in the Valencia County News-Bulletin.

The DAR Historic Preservation Medal is awarded to individuals with a distinguished record in historic preservation. Its purpose is to honor individuals whose study, promotion and dedication to historic preservation has made a distinguished contribution on the local, regional and state level. […]

Heske said that Guggino’s love of history and preservation began as a young adult when her childhood school, St. Vincent’s Academy, a 19th century three story brick building at the corner of Sixth Street and Lomas Blvd. in Albuquerque, was knocked down due to “progress.” Around the same time, the Alvarado Hotel also met the wrecking ball.

“The fate of these two buildings struck a cord with Patty, and opened her eyes and heart to the importance of preservation,” Heske said. […]

The Alvarado Hotel was a Harvey House next to Route 66 in Albuquerque. The loss of that structure spurred many area preservationists in addition to Guggino.

For nearly 11 years, Guggino has worked diligently on a weekly basis to record and catalog the oral histories, buildings and sites that contribute to Los Lunas’ unique “sense of place.” […]

Guggino has also worked as a consultant for the Camino Real and completed a video about the its influence titled “The Direction of Historic Route 66 Through New Mexico.”

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