The Taos County Historical Society was formed in 1952 for the purpose of ". . preserving the history of the Taos area . ." This part of New Mexico has a fascinating history, full of people, events, stories and places. I f you are interested, we invite your participation in our field trips or lecture programs, by subscribing to our publication, " AYER Y Hoy en TAOS", or by lending your support by becoming a member.

The first European visitors to Taos were a small detachment of VASQUEZ de CORONADO'S expedition in search of the "mythical seven cities of Cibola", under the command of artillery captain HERNANDO de ALVARADO in early September of 1540. Different accounts of this expedition give various names and descriptions to what is now known as the TAOS PUEBLO, which still exists, its multi-storied adobe buildings still used by the TIWA speaking people of the Taos Valley. For the 450+ years that have now passed since that meeting, these people have somehow, in the face of constant incursions and threats, also retained most of their culture, language, and society. It has been a long journey, one that continues today midst the mad, rushing changes all around us.
Native Taoseños now also number other cultures and heritages, each with its own history and folklore, needing to be recorded and nurtured. Change is inevitable, but we should try to preserve the memories of past events and people. Traces on the land around Taos denote the passing of all these things. Churches and other historic buildings, old roads and trails, camps of explorers, battle sites, ruins of prehistoric pueblos, mining camps and old cemeteries are but a few of the sites worth studying and preserving for posterity.

The Society encourages and supports historic preservation. Through special gifts and our modest dues, a fund has been built up for use in assisting worthy preservation projects.

A periodic newsletter keeps our members informed on upcoming activities. Monthly lecture programs and exploratory field trips are open to the public and help to bring historic events, local folklore and interesting sites to life. At a luncheon each May the Society honors people who have contributed significantly to the preservation of Taos area history. Other activities include recording oral histories, maintaining archival materials and participating in community events.
Our HISTORY ROOM, located upstairs in the Old Taos County Courthouse on the north side of the Plaza is open to visitors seeking information about Taos history. Here we keep the records of the Society, as well as a valuable collection of audio and video tapes. The Society hopes to build a collection of books, documents and photos that will become a local source of historical information. Come and visit us Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1 to 3 PM.

As a benefit of membership, we look forward to receiving the Society's yearly publication  " AYER Y  HOY en TAOS " Yesterday and Today in Taos County and Northern New Mexico, which presents scholarly articles, historical photos, interesting narratives and book reviews.     Ayer Y Hoy - Directory