President’s Message
Season’s Greetings and welcome to our Fall/Winter update. We have had a very busy and productive period since our last newsletter and would like to share our progress with you.
The transfer of ownership of the Kit Carson House (KCH) historic site to the non-profit is proceeding. The process has required a new appraisal and survey. Legal work continues to ensure a clear title to the property with the upcoming transfer of title.
Board Member Justin Lenhart has been working with Cam and Julia of New Mexico MainStreet to develop a new logo and they are beginning a redesign of the website. Please be on the lookout for our new website.
Architects from the Heritage Partnerships Program of the National Park Service visited the site in August and confirmed the dire condition of the adobe structures. They provided guidance and will supply a formal written report soon.
Appraisal of the collection is also underway with Julia McTague Appraisers. This appraisal is necessary for insurance and tax purposes upon transfer of the property.
KCH is happy to welcome Madisyn Rostro, UNM Museum Studies grad student, who will continue work on documenting the collection and support the appraisal effort.
KCH was awarded an Impact Grant for Core Operational Support this summer by the Taos Community Foundation in the amount of $2K. This helps the cause!
In October we participated in the Harwood event Envisioning the Future of Taos’ Museums. It was a privilege to be included on the museum panel discussion. We are grateful to the Harwood and look forward to many more Taos museum collaborations.
We have recruited two new board members to be installed when the property transfer is completed. Taos County Commissioner Bob Romero and Philanthropist Stephanie Bennett Smith have already begun working with us and will be sworn in as board members when the transfer of ownership is complete.
We hope you will join us on Saturday Dec 16th from 3:00-6:30 for the annual Kit Carson Road Holiday Celebration. Museums and galleries will be open and free to the public. Barbara Schultz will be on site to sign Josefa the book she wrote for KCH about Carson’s wife. Please stop by for cookies and warm cider.
We continue to seek donations to preserve our beloved National Historic Landmark - please be generous!
Best Wishes for a happy and healthy Holiday Season!