Celebrating Women’s History Month with the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
In honor of Women’s History Month in March, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum will feature stories of women who have left their mark on the world. This week, we feature Nina Otero-Warren, who helped make significant strides for women’s rights and education in New Mexico.
Nina Otero-Warren’s Impact in New Mexico and Beyond
Adelina “Nina” Otero-Warren, a remarkable leader, educator, and activist, left an indelible mark on New Mexico and the broader American landscape. Born in 1881 in Las Cruces, New Mexico, she became one of the first Latina women to run for public office in the United States, challenging societal norms and creating a legacy that resonates today. As a suffragist, educator, and political trailblazer, Otero-Warren’s impact is woven into New Mexico’s history.
After a formal education at St. Vincent’s Academy in Albuquerque and at Maryville College of the Sacred Heart (now Maryville University) in St. Louis, as well as a brief stint living in New York City, Otero-Warren moved to Santa Fe in 1897 when she was 16. She would live in Santa Fe until her death in 1965, at the age of 83.
Otero-Warren played a critical role in getting the 19th Amendment ratified in New Mexico, facing opposition from the governor, legislators, the Catholic Church, and many members of the community. Coming from a prominent family with several politicians, Otero-Warren worked tirelessly for the cause and was selected as New Mexico’s representative of the Congressional Union for Woman Suffrage. She is credited for advocating for Spanish-speaking women and organizing bilingual efforts throughout the state to support voting rights.
Otero-Warren’s efforts as a leading suffragist served her well as she continued to champion women’s rights, child welfare and education, and advanced her role in politics. She was the first female superintendent of the Santa Fe school system from 1918 to 1929 and was a leader in the Republican Party of New Mexico, running for Congress in 1922. Although she narrowly lost the election, her candidacy marked a significant shift in the political landscape, inspiring future generations of women to pursue leadership roles in politics.
In recognition of her contributions to society, she was featured on the 2022 U.S. quarter as part of the American Women Quarters Program, which highlights the accomplishments of women who have made significant contributions to American history. She was among the first honorees of the program which has since featured 20 other American women including Eleanor Roosevelt, Wilma Mankiller, Celia Cruz, and Ida B. Wells.
The Otero-Bergere House
The Otero-Bergere House, located just east of the Museum on Grant Avenue, is named for two influential New Mexican families who lived in the house for much of the twentieth century, who were in Nina Otero-Warren’s extended family. The home, known locally as “La Casa Grande” or “The Big House”, was a regular meeting spot and hub of activity for Santa Fe’s social and political circles.
Nina Otero-Warren was one of the home’s most prominent residents and lived in the house for many years as the unofficial head of household from 1939 until 1963 when the house was officially conveyed to her. She continued to manage the estate until her death in 1965. Otero-Warren’s role as a leading suffragist is acknowledged at the Otero-Bergere House as one of two New Mexico sites on the National Votes for Women Trail (a project of The National Collaborative for Women’s History Sites).
In 2001, the house opened as the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum Research Center. This includes the Michael S. Engl Family Foundation Library & Archive, a garden space, made possible by the generous support of the Barbara Goede Family Foundation, and administrative offices.
Learn More About Nina Otero-Warren at First Friday!
Kick off Women’s History Month at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum! Deborah Blanche will present a Chautauqua performance of Nina Otero-Warren’s extensive career and incredible life. A Chautauqua program presents a historical figure’s life after thorough research, dramatized for a live audience. Blanche’s presentation will take shape as a short play with spaces allowed for the audience to interact with the characters informally in a question-and-answer dialogue.
The Museum offers extended hours on First Friday with free admission from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Blanche’s performance will begin at 5:30 PM in Gallery 7 of the Museum. Limited seating will be available.
