Myra Ellen Jenkins

Myra Ellen Jenkins. Historian and archivist Dr. Myra Ellen Jenkins played a pivotal role in developing New Mexico's modern historic preservation movement. An original member of the Cultural Properties Review Committee - the body that approves historic markers - she became the state historian in 1967 by virtue of her position as senior archivist at the State Records Center and Archives. Dr. Jenkins served as the agency's deputy director in charge of Spanish, Mexican, and Territorial archives for many years. She also helped develop many of the policies New Mexico uses to preserve its past., Reverse Side , (Continued) , Dr. Jenkins was a leading expert on Spanish and Mexican land grants and water rights. In the 1970's, she intervened to keep land grant records in the state, thus retaining a vital component of New Mexico history. A professor and writer, she co-authored A Brief History of New Mexico, which became a widely used guide to New Mexico history often found in classrooms. Dr. Jenkins resigned her position with the state in 1980 having left a lasting impact on New Mexico scholarship and archives.