Visit This Small Town Museum In New Mexico That Is Believed To Be Haunted
By Courtnie Erickson|Published October 19, 2021
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
There are a handful of pretty remarkable museums scattered around the Land of Enchantment. However, there is one that is often overlooked — the Herzstein Memorial Museum. Located in Clayton, in northeastern New Mexico, this museum has fascinating artifacts and exhibits that take you back in time and teach you all about life during the Wild West, the Great Depression, and more. Oh, and did we mention that this museum is believed to be haunted? That’s right! Your visit to this haunted museum in New Mexico may be a little different than others in the Land of Enchantment.
Welcome to the interesting Herzstein Memorial Museum. While the inside of this building is home to some pretty remarkable artifacts, the outside of this building is just as fascinating.
This building was built in 1919 in Clayton. It was originally built as the Episcopal Methodist Church, but it has also housed a bowling alley, library, and roller skate rink.
In 1987, the building was renovated by the Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation. Many of the original features of the building remained, including the beautiful wood floors and the glass windows in the upstairs sanctuary. Today, this building is on the State Register of Historic Places.
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When first arriving at this museum, you are welcome to walk this museum on your own or you can book a tour. Either way, you'll learn some pretty interesting facts about the area, the Wild West, and more.
As you explore the museum, you’ll see artifacts that were found along the Santa Fe Trail. They'll give you a glimpse into life in the area decades ago.
Make sure you visit the "Black Jack" Ketchum exhibit. Black Jack was hanged in Clayton in April of 1901 and was the only man ever hanged for train robbery in New Mexico.
This museum in New Mexico also features many unique artifacts that will take you back in time, particularly during the time of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression.
However, the Herzstein Memorial Museum in New Mexico is more than just interesting exhibits. This museum is also believed to be haunted by multiple spirits.
In 2015, a team of paranormal investigators confirmed that the spirit of an older woman roams the Herzstein Memorial Museum in New Mexico. While she lets others know of her presence in various ways, one of the most common ways is the sound of her high heels crossing the kitchen floor.
Other reports of paranormal activity in this haunted museum in New Mexico include unexplained noises, objects being randomly knocked over, and the sound of a small child on a digital recorder when no child was present.
To learn more about the Herzstein Memorial Museum in New Mexico, click here.
Have you ever visited this interesting museum in New Mexico? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments!
Do you want to learn more about “Black Jack” Ketchum or other Wild West Legends? Check out this article to learn about six of these individuals who are buried in New Mexico.
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