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THE TAYLOR FAMILY – WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

In 1953, when it was time for J. Paul and Mary Daniels Taylor to find a home, they found an ideal residence in the heart of Mesilla, New Mexico. Built in the late 1850s on the historic Old Mesilla Plaza, they became caretakers for this unique property, and they raised seven children there while becoming integral members of the community. The Taylors shared a passion for the arts, and soon the old adobe home was filled with artwork and artifacts.
J. Paul was renowned as an educator, state legislator, historian, and patron of the arts, while Mary was an award-winning author, photographer, and researcher. Together, they cultivated a rich collection of Spanish Colonial, Mexican, and New Mexican artwork and textiles from around the world.
In 2003, the Taylors generously donated their historic adobe home and two adjoining storefronts to the State of New Mexico, which would become the Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site. Their vision was to create a space where others could appreciate their unique collection. The site reflects the experiences of a multicultural family and community, serving as a reminder of a time in the 19th century when Mesilla was a center of political, commercial, and social activity in Southern New Mexico.
The Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site now stands as a unique gift to the town, state, and country, welcoming future generations of New Mexicans and visitors from around the world to explore and appreciate the rich tapestry of the region's heritage.

“As a New Mexico State Representative, Paul Taylor represented all of the people of the Borderlands in Southern New Mexico. By donating their home as a historic site, Paul and Mary ‘s generous gift is reflective of the people, culture, and history of this region.  Their art and artifact collection in the home tells the story of the Borderlands and all of its people.”

—Heather Pollard, President, Friends of the Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site

In 1953, when it was time for J. Paul and Mary Daniels Taylor to find a home, they found an ideal residence in the heart of Mesilla, New Mexico. Built in the late 1850s on the historic Old Mesilla Plaza, they became caretakers for this unique property, and they raised seven children there while becoming integral members of the community. The Taylors shared a passion for the arts, and soon the old adobe home was filled with artwork and artifacts.

J. Paul was renowned as an educator, state legislator, historian, and patron of the arts, while Mary was an award-winning author, photographer, and researcher. Together, they cultivated a rich collection of Spanish Colonial, Mexican, and New Mexican artwork and textiles from around the world.

In 2003, the Taylors generously donated their historic adobe home and two adjoining storefronts to the State of New Mexico, which would become the Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site.  Their vision was to create a space where others could appreciate their unique collection. The site reflects the experiences of a multicultural family and community, serving as a reminder of a time in the 19th century when Mesilla was a center of political, commercial, and social activity in Southern New Mexico.

The Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site now stands as a unique gift to the town, state, and country, welcoming future generations of New Mexicans and visitors from around the world to explore and appreciate the rich tapestry of the region’s heritage.
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