The University of New Mexico Installs Two Historic Markers Highlighting Important Women in New Mexican History

The University of New Mexico has erected two new historical markers on campus that feature information on New Mexico women who have had an impact on the state’s history and culture.

The markers have been in the works since 2006, when a group of women discovered that none of the 500 markers throughout the state of New Mexico recognized the accomplishments of women in the state. In response to this disparity, the group established the NM Historic Women Marker Initiative that has succeeded in placing 75 markers celebrating New Mexico women throughout the state, including the two new markers on the university’s campus.

The first marker, “Women of the Judiciary,” is placed near the university’s law school. The two-sided marker features Justice Mary Coon Walters, a World War II transport pilot and the first woman to serve on the New Mexico Supreme Court. The opposite side of the marker features New Mexico’s first woman chief justice, Pamela Minzner.

The second marker was established near the university’s Carlisle Gym. It highlights the art of flamenco dance and its history in New Mexico on one side, and features the contributions of Clarita Garcia de Aranda Allison on the other. Allison expanded the awareness and appreciation of the flamenco tradition in New Mexico through her teaching and performing. Currently, Allison’s daughter, Eva Encinias-Sandoval, and granddaughter, Marisol Encinias, both teach flamenco at the university, making the marker’s location a fitting tribute to Allison’s pioneering work.