Listening in on a Talk to Me oral history session in Las Cruces
When Lynn Austin sat down with a microphone on his lapel and stories at the ready Thursday, he joined a statewide program of collecting oral history from New Mexico seniors.
After a brief introduction, Austin talked about his move from Kansas to New Mexico. When asked about what brought him to the Land of Enchantment, he paused for a beat and replied wryly, 'My car.' He laughed and went on to talk about his education at New Mexico State University and the motto he has lived by most of his life.
'Just go for it,' he said. 'Don't hold back.'
The New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department unveiled the 'Talk to Me' program in October 2024 at the Annual Conference on Aging in Albuquerque. Brian Garcia, a contractor working with the ALTSD, told Source NM that the program has since expanded and he and his team have spent the last several months traveling to senior centers across the state to connect with older New Mexicans. They were in Las Cruces the week of May 6, and have also recently visited Farmington and Clovis.
Seniors sign up for a time slot online and then spend about 15 to 20 minutes sharing stories from their lives. Garcia has flash cards with prompts to encourage a conversation, with questions such as:
'What has given you purpose in your life? What gives you hope? What advice would you give to your younger self?'
Participants can also talk about whatever they want.
The conversations are recorded, formatted and then sent back to contributors or their families several weeks later.
If you or a loved one are interested in contributing to the state's oral history project, check upcoming recording locations online at https://www.talktomenm.org/.
Next session:
May 23, 2025 at 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Isleta Elder Center, 1005 Tribal Rd. 140, Isleta Village Proper, NM 87022
'We're really trying to give senior New Mexicans around the state a platform to voice their stories and experiences,' Garcia said.
Austin told Source NM that he was interested in recording some of his stories because he likes to write short vignettes about people he's met throughout his life and this project aligned with his interests.
'There's two reasons I came here. The one is to just fulfill the requirement, come and chitchat,' he said. 'But the other one is… I write different things, I write what I call vignettes of life.'
Garcia added that the Talk to Me program is also a way to connect older New Mexicans with the senior centers in their communities and the services they provide for free, such as in-person meals, delivered meals, homemaking services, transportation, social events and more.
Garcia said the plan is to return to towns later in the year to collect and record more stories as people become more aware of the program.
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