The Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site embodies the rich history and heritage of the Southwest borderlands and offers tours, lectures, and interactive programming for the public. The property of two storefronts and a large residence is on the historic Old Mesilla Plaza, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Courtesy/NMDCA
NMDCA News:
MESILLA — New Mexico Historic Sites was selected as a 2026 Award of Excellence winner for the opening of Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site by the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) Leadership in History awards committee.
“The staff of New Mexico Historic Sites is honored to have received this most esteemed award from the AASLH, an organization that represents thousands of small regionally focused historic venues such as the Taylor-Mesilla site,” said New Mexico Historic Sites Director Anne McCudden. “We accept this award on behalf of all our colleagues and the Taylor family for decades of hard work.”
This year, AASLH confers 42 national awards honoring people, projects, exhibits, and publications that represent the best in the field. The awards establish and encourage standards of excellence in the collection, preservation, and interpretation of state and local history to make the past more meaningful and accessible to all people. For information about the Leadership in History Awards, visit aaslh.org.
After more than two decades of hard work and anticipation, Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site opened its doors on Nov. 8, 2025, becoming the eighth state-managed historic site. The grand opening featured a ribbon cutting ceremony, live music on the Mesilla Plaza, and special community activities celebrating the site’s long-awaited debut.
The site embodies the rich history and heritage of the Southwest borderlands and offers tours, lectures, and interactive programming for the public. The property is located on the historic Old Mesilla Plaza, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and consists of two storefronts and a large residence.
Since 1953, the three adobe buildings were home for the late J. Paul and Mary Daniels Taylor and their family. The Taylors donated their extraordinary collection of Spanish Colonial, Mexican, and New Mexican artwork and textiles from around the world. The gift of their collection and precious home reflects the deep desire the Taylors held in promoting a better understanding and appreciation of the history, culture, and architecture of New Mexico.
The Award of Excellence will be presented to staff at the AASLH Annual Conference in Providence, Rhode Island, a conference held jointly with the National Council on Public History on Sept. 18.
About New Mexico Historic Sites:
New Mexico Historic Sites is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, under the leadership of the Board of Regents for the Museum of New Mexico. Programs and exhibits are generously supported by the Museum of New Mexico Foundation and our site’s five supporting friends group donors. The New Mexico Historic Sites system was established in 1931 by an Act for the Preservation of the Scientific Resources of New Mexico. The eight Historic Sites include Bosque Redondo Memorial at Fort Sumner, Coronado, Fort Selden, Fort Stanton, Jemez, Lincoln, Los Luceros, and Taylor-Mesilla. Learn more at nmhistoricsites.org.