Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site Family Day celebrates the unique history and culture of the town of Mesilla. New Mexico Historic Sites and the Friends of Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site invite people of all ages to join for a big celebration on the Mesilla Plaza on Saturday, August 24, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The event is held on what would have been J. Paul Taylor’s 104th birthday. Taylor was a storied figure in education, politics, and the arts in New Mexico.
“As President of the Friends of the Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site, I am delighted that we are sponsoring the Family Day,” said Heather Pollard. “Our mission is to support the intent of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor to share their home, its contents and history with generations to come.”
Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site Family Day celebrates J. Paul and his wife Mary Daniels Taylor’s love of the region with music, dancing and family-friendly activities and booths highlighting the history and culture of the Mesilla Valley. Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site is also excited to celebrate the grand opening of the new Reynolds Center, the visitor center for the Site and its premier exhibit, “Mesilla: A Place of Growth and Change.”
“I am very excited to be able to welcome the community to our first of many exhibits that will be highlighting the history and culture of the residents here in Mesilla as well as the Southwest borderlands. We hope people will come out and enjoy the new exhibit and let us know what they would like to see next at our site,” said Wendi Laws, Regional Manager of Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site.
Activities throughout the day will include performances by mariachi bands, folkloric Mexican dance performers, line dancers, children’s performances and craft activities. The Department of Cultural Affairs Wonder on Wheels mobile museum will also be on the Plaza throughout the day offering tours of the exhibit “Growing New Mexico,” created by the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum.
Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site’s Family Day is a free event held throughout the Mesilla Plaza, as well as in the Reynolds Center, located inside the historic Reynolds Store on the plaza, a mercantile dating back to the 1860s. For more information about Family Day and a schedule of events visit nmhistoricsites.org/taylor-mesilla.
About Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site
Located on the historic plaza in Old Mesilla, Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site embodies the rich history and heritage of the Southwest borderlands. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and consists of two storefronts and a large residence in the rear. Since 1953, the three adobe buildings were home to the late J. Paul and Mary Daniels Taylor and their family. The Taylors had an extraordinary collection of Spanish Colonial, Mexican, and New Mexican artwork and textiles from all over the world. The Reynolds Center will open during Family Day, and a complete grand opening of the site is scheduled for the Fall of 2025. Learn more at nmhistoricsites.org/taylor-mesilla.