New Mexico Sun

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Anne C. McCudden | https://media.newmexicoculture.org/

Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site set for grand opening in November

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After more than twenty years of planning, the Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site will officially open as New Mexico’s eighth state historic site on November 8, 2025. The grand opening event in Mesilla will feature a ribbon cutting, live music on the Mesilla Plaza, and activities throughout the day. The event is organized by the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs (NMDCA), New Mexico Historic Sites (NMHS), and the Friends of Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site.

"Through tremendous dedication and care from a team of staff, museum and preservation experts, volunteers, and consultants, we are proud to now share this cultural gem with New Mexicans and visitors alike," said Anne McCudden, Executive Director of New Mexico Historic Sites.

The Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site includes three buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places: two storefronts and a large residence. The property was home to J. Paul Taylor—a former legislator, educator, and community leader—and his wife Mary Daniels Taylor, an award-winning photographer and writer. Over seventy years, they assembled a collection featuring works by New Mexico artists as well as folk art from around the world. In 2003, the Taylors donated their home to the state with plans for it to become part of NMHS after their passing.

"Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site offers a truly authentic experience for both community members and visitors to learn about the history of Mesilla as a center of political, commercial, and social activity through time," said NMDCA Cabinet Secretary Debra Garcia y Griego. "After years of preparation and renovations, we are thrilled to fully open the site to the public."

"The Friends of the Taylor-Mesilla Site have been honored to support the historic preservation efforts and look forward to many years working with the incredible staff," said Heather Pollard, President of Friends of Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site.

The NMDCA aims to honor J. Paul and Mary Daniels Taylor’s legacy by sharing Mesilla’s history with residents while introducing visitors to aspects that make New Mexico borderlands unique. Additional information about the site is available at nmhistoricsites.org/taylor-mesilla.

New Mexico Historic Sites operates under NMDCA leadership with support from donors through the Museum of New Mexico Foundation. Established in 1931 for preserving scientific resources in New Mexico, its eight sites include Bosque Redondo Memorial at Fort Sumner, Coronado, Fort Selden, Fort Stanton, Jemez, Lincoln, Los Luceros, and now Taylor-Mesilla. More details can be found at nmhistoricsites.org.

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