Santa Fe, NM – A meticulously restored 1929 Harvey Car, once used in the famed “Indian Detours” tour operation, is now on display in the lobby of the New Mexico History Museum. The vehicle, on loan from Xanterra Travel, offers a glimpse into the early days of Southwestern tourism, which flourished from 1926 to the mid-1930s thanks to the vision of Major Hunter Clarkson and Fred Harvey.
The “Indian Detours” transported travelers from Santa fe Railway stations to attractions across the Southwest, introducing them to Native American arts and crafts and establishing the region as a popular destination.
“I want to thank Allan Affeldt,owner and restorer of several historic Harvey properties,for the suggestion to display the car,as well as the folks at Xanterra for their willingness to work with us,” said Billy G. Garrett, Executive Director at New Mexico History Museum.
The exhibit coincides with the 16th Annual Fred Harvey History Weekend, November 7-9, 2025. Events include a free screening of the documentary “The Harvey Girls: Opportunity Bound” from 5-6:30 p.m. on Friday, November 7, as part of Palace Avenue First Friday Art Walk, and a presentation by car expert Winslow Bent at 1-2 p.m. on Sunday, November 9, detailing the history and restoration of the Harvey Car, currently based at grand Canyon National Park.
Visitors can also explore related exhibitions at the museum, including “Setting the Standard,” “Forks in the Road: A Diner’s Guide to New Mexico,” and “18 Miles and That’s As Far As it Got: The Lamy Branch of the atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad.”
Lectures will be held from 12-5 p.m. on November 7 and 8, featuring speakers such as Kathleen Dull, Stephen Fried, and Harvey family descendants. Tickets for in-person lectures are $60, and virtual access is available for $25.
more information about the Harvey Car pop-up exhibit can be found at https://nmhistorymuseum.org/exhibition/details/6917/harveycar-pop-up, and details about related Harvey programs are available at https://nmhistorymuseum.org/programs/events/.
