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National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

Virginia Montoya Archuleta

ChildLos Alamos, NM

Hispano/a
Virginia Montoya Archuleta Listen to Virginia Montoya Archuleta’s Oral History on Voices of the Manhattan Project

Virginia Montoya Archuleta is the youngest daughter of Adolfo and Elaisa Montoya. Her father Adolfo was the head gardener at the Los Alamos Ranch School and owned a homestead, and her brother Lucas Montoya was the first soldier from Los Alamos to be killed in World War II. Virginia was born in Los Alamos and attended grade school there. She currently resides in the Española Valley.

Virginia’s family was also involved in the federal lawsuit seeking compensation for the homesteaders displaced by the Manhattan Project.

Virginia Montoya Archuleta as a young girl. Courtesy of Willie Atencio and David Schiferl 

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