Josefa Jaramillo Carson and the Sisterhood
TAOS, NEW MEXICO — The Carson House & Museum invites the public to join its Conversations at The Carson House & Museum series for a presentation by longtime Taoseña and former history teacher Louise Blair.
On Saturday, September 19, at 5:00 p.m., Blair will present "Josefa Jaramillo Carson and the Sisterhood." The presentation will explore the life and history of Josefa Jaramillo Carson and the sisterhood surrounding her.
Blair is a longtime Taoseña and former history teacher with a deep connection to the local community and its history. As a passionate history hobbyist, she has spent years digging into the fascinating, untold stories of the American Southwest.
Blair became captivated by the incredible resilience of two local sisters, Maria Ignacia Jaramillo Bent and Maria Josefa Jaramillo Carson. Often overshadowed by their famous husbands, Governor Charles Bent and frontiersman Kit Carson, these women navigated immense cultural upheaval and survived the 1847 Taos Revolt. Through her personal archival research, Blair aims to rescue Ignacia and Josefa from the footnotes of history, highlighting their strength, hospitality, and endurance.
In her presentation, Blair is excited to share her favorite discoveries about how these sisters, along with their relatives and friends, anchored their community during a turbulent era.
Blair is perhaps best known in Taos as Ken Blair’s wife. Together, they owned and managed the Sagebrush Inn, Comfort Suites, and Quality Inn for many years. Several years ago, they collaborated on a screenplay about the Jaramillo sisters. Kenneth wanted all the fighting, Indians, cavalry, and action, while Blair wanted to focus on the sisters and their unique relationship. As Blair puts it, “You’ll get both in my presentation.”
EVENT INFORMATION
Conversations at The Carson House & Museum
Josefa Jaramillo Carson and the Sisterhood
Presented by Louise Blair
Saturday, September 19, 2026
5:00 p.m.
The Carson House & Museum
113 Kit Carson Road
Taos, New Mexico
Admission is Free
Open to the public.
MEDIA CONTACT
Debbie Friday Jagers
Development Committee
The Carson House & Museum
Phone: 575.770.1618
Email: debbie@dfjagers.com