McKinley County Courthouse preserves New Deal murals, expands access with tours and virtual museum

The McKinley County Courthouse in Gallup stands as both a working courthouse and a repository of public art from the New Deal era. Built during the Works Progress Administration period, the building houses an extraordinary collection of WPA artworks, including murals and installations that remain on public display in the courthouse rotunda and other civic spaces. These pieces were created as part of a nationwide effort to enrich civic life through art, and they continue to shape Gallup's public landscape.

Rose Eason, New Deal Art Project Director for Gallup, leads guided tours of the city's WPA artworks, helping residents and visitors interpret the imagery and historical context. Tour schedules adjust during November and December, and a virtual museum developed by Eason provides access for those who cannot attend in person. The virtual offering extends reach to Gallup residents who face transportation challenges, mobility limitations, or health concerns, and it keeps the collection accessible during seasonal schedule changes.

For the McKinley County community the courthouse collection is more than decorative. Public art in civic buildings supports community identity and fosters a shared sense of place, which can contribute positively to mental wellbeing and civic engagement. Preserving and interpreting New Deal murals also raises questions of representation and inclusion, as communities consider whose histories are visible in public spaces and how those stories are told.

The courthouse collection is already part of local preservation efforts and cultural itineraries. Including the courthouse on heritage tours can draw modest economic activity to downtown Gallup, supporting nearby small businesses while encouraging stewardship of historic assets. The combination of in person tours and the virtual museum also aligns with equity goals by offering multiple pathways for access, especially important for elders, people with disabilities, and others for whom in person visits are difficult.

As Gallup continues to interpret and protect its WPA legacy, the McKinley County Courthouse serves as a practical example of how public art, preservation policy, and community access can intersect to keep local history alive and relevant.