New Mexico Historic Sites

Postponed Until Further Notice: Celebrating Our Future: Honoring Our Past

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 26, 2018

MEDIA CONTACT


(Santa Fe, NM) -  In 2003, former State Representative J. Paul Taylor, his wife Mary Daniels Taylor, and their family bequeathed their home and two attached stores to the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs for development as a future State Historic Site. 

The opportunity now before us is to transform this extraordinary gift into a public place that highlights the history, architecture, and culture of New Mexico. 

On Monday, January 29th, the Department of Cultural Affairs and New Mexico Historic Sites will recognize the Taylor Family at a special meet and greet in the Governor’s Gallery of the New Mexico State Capitol.  

After celebrating his 97th birthday, J. Paul was recently reappointed and confirmed by the Senate to the Museum of New Mexico Board of Regents.  Please plan to come visit with Regent Taylor and get a glimpse of the future Historic Site as you view a special exhibit highlighting the upcoming development of the home.

When: Monday, January 29, 2018

Where: Governors Gallery, NM State Capital

Time: Noon to 1:30

 

Media Contact: Mary Ann Hatchitt, 505-681-4014, mahatchitt@outlook.com

About New Mexico Historic Sites:  http://nmhistoricsites.org/  On March 14, 1931, the New Mexico Historic Site system was established by an Act for the Preservation of the Scientific Resources of New Mexico, to "declare by public proclamation that historic and prehistoric structures and other objects of scientific interest that are situated upon the lands owned or controlled by the State of New Mexico, shall be state monuments, and may reserve as a part thereof such parcels of land as may be necessary to the proper care and management of the objects to be protected." Under the direction of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, six of seven sites are active and open to the public: Fort Sumner Historic Site/Bosque Redondo MemorialCoronadoFort SeldenJemezFort Stanton and Lincoln. The El Camino Real Historic Trail Site closed in 2016 until further notice. In 2004, the historic Barela-Reynolds House and Property in Mesilla, was designated a state historic site upon its donation to the state by the John Paul Taylor family. Mr.& Mrs. Taylor will retain a life estate on the property that will not be open to the public until their deaths. Events, news releases and images about activities at New Mexico Historic Sites, and other Department of Cultural Affairs divisions can be accessed at media.newmexicoculture.org


Related Photos

: J. Paul Taylor, Photo: J. Paul Taylor of Mesilla, New Mexico Facebook Page
Celebrating at the J. Paul Taylor Academy (August 26, 2017) J. Paul Taylor, Photo: J. Paul Taylor of Mesilla, New Mexico Facebook Page.
J. Paul Taylor as a young man on the streets of Mesilla (year unknown)
Old Mesilla, Exterior of Taylor Properties, Black & White (year & photographer unknown)
Interior view of mural inside J. Paul Taylor Home
Young J. Paul Taylor & Wife Mary, Black & White (year & photographer unknown)
J. Paul Taylor (contemporary) on the streets of Mesilla (year & photographer unknown)
J. Paul Taylor reads to children at his Mesilla Home (contemporary, year & photographer unknown)
Virgin of Guadalupe wood carving, part of the art collection at the Mesilla home of J. Paul Taylor

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