Honoring Women in the State – New Mexico Historic Women Marker Program

While the state began its Official Scenic Historic Markers program in 1935 to encourage tourism, seven decades later, with nearly 500 markers in place, women were still barely a footnote in 2005. Today, thanks to the New Mexico Historic Women Marker Program, a fiscally sponsored organization of NMCF, 120 women are now recognized on over 100 markers, and school curriculum has been developed.

In 2006, the International Women’s Forum–New Mexico secured funding from the New Mexico State Legislature to erect roadside markers celebrating women whose actions and influence helped shape the state’s history in ways that continue to impact our culture today. In partnership with the Department of Transportation and Department of Cultural Affairs, and through a statewide nomination process that drew responses from pueblos, tribes, the Navajo Nation, and every county in New Mexico, Historic Women markers began appearing in 2007. Representing the long, multicultural history of our state, the markers highlight the remarkable courage, resilience, and strength of public figures and ordinary women who faced extraordinary challenges—and changed the course of history.

While the markers spotlight renowned women such as artist Georgia O’Keeffe, suffrage leader Nina Otero-Warren, and San Ildefonso potter Maria Martinez, they also honor and credit lesser-known “unsung heroes” who contributed immensely to the arts, education, business, government, science, military, healthcare, and the growth and preservation of our culture and communities.

The initiative received additional legislative funding in 2022 for public outreach, K-12 curriculum development, digital archives, improved website capabilities, permanent and traveling exhibitions, and a speakers bureau. International Women’s Forum-NM’s Marker Program Committee Chair, Betty Downes said, “Nearly two decades later, the New Mexico Historic Women Marker Program now celebrates the lives and accomplishments of more than 100 women who have contributed to New Mexico’s fascinating history and unique culture. As the program grows, we hope to add more programming that will further enhance the recognition of women in New Mexico.”

Visit their website to learn more about the New Mexico Historic Women Marker Program https://www.nmhistoricwomen.org. Or, make a donation to the program  https://newmexicofoundation.givevirtuous.org/donate/new-mexico-historic-women-marker-program

New Mexico Magazine https://www.newmexicomagazine.org is celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Rt 66! Historic Markers can be found when you click on the icon in the bottom left, “Plan your trip.”