iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Nick Pappas @nickpapp.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

I would like to thank Heather McClenahan and the Historical Society of New Mexico for the invitation to speak about my UNM Press book project -- the biggest and baddest snowstorm ever to strike the Southwest -- at last weekend's annual conference at the Philmont Scout Camp in Cimarron.

000

Nick Pappas @nickpapp.bsky.social · 29/12/2025

After five years on the market, The Nature Conservancy completed its purchase earlier this month of what used to be the historic coal town of Dawson, New Mexico -- and the subject of my book, "Crosses of Iron." My story about the sale is in today's Albuquerque Journal.

abqjournal.com

Historic coal town site with tragic past finds new future as protected land

The Nature Conservancy acquires 50,000-acre Dawson Elk Valley Ranch, site of two deadly mine disasters that claimed nearly 400 lives in early 1900s.

000

Nick Pappas @nickpapp.bsky.social · 30/06/2025

"Crosses of Iron," my narrative history of the old coal town of Dawson, New Mexico, has been recognized by the Mining History Association with a Clark Spence Award for "the best book in mining history published during the previous two years." One of two such awards this year. Honored and grateful.

041

Nick Pappas @nickpapp.bsky.social · 25/02/2025

I want to thank the University of New Mexico Press for the green light to pursue a book about a forgotten piece of Southwest history: The Great Blizzard of 1967. If you are familiar with this period and have stories to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

000

Nick Pappas @nickpapp.bsky.social · 03/02/2025

The old New Mexico coal town of Dawson, home to the second-deadliest mine disaster in U.S. history, is still making news three-quarters of a century after its closing. Grateful to my former colleagues at the Albuquerque Journal for publishing my story Sunday.

abqjournal.com

A New Mexico property with a storied history is about to get new owners

A New Mexico property with a storied history is about to get new owners.

021

Nick Pappas @nickpapp.bsky.social · 17/01/2025

Feeling nostalgic today: Six years ago, I made my first trip to what remains of the old coal town of Dawson, NM -- site of the second-worst mine disaster in US history -- which led to publication of my book "Crosses of Iron" by @unmpress.bsky.social in 2023. #abq #albuquerque #nm #newmexico

081

Nick Pappas @nickpapp.bsky.social · 26/11/2024

I want to thank Provost Roxanne Gonzales for the opportunity to speak and sign copies of my book, "Crosses of Iron: The Tragic Story of Dawson, New Mexico, and Its Twin Mining Disasters," this month at New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, N.M. I couldn't have asked for a warmer reception.

nickpappasbooks.com

They came from near and far to attend Dawson talk at Highlands University - Nick Pappas "Crosses of Iron" Nick Pappas

Nick Pappas presented on "Crosses of Iron: The Tragic Story of Dawson, New Mexico, and Its Twin Mining Disasters," at Highlands University.

030