History ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 7-28-2026

Abstract

This thesis centers the people of Abiquiú, a small town in northern New Mexico, and discusses their history through the twentieth century into the twenty-first century. I have collected oral histories of Abiqueños, their families, and lives in Abiquiú. More specifically, this thesis explores their experiences of residing with a famous person, artist Georgia O’Keeffe, while maintaining their traditions as a Genízaro village. This thesis is not written solely about O’Keeffe, but, as much as possible, emphasizes the perspectives of the Abiqueños and Abiquiú, while O’Keeffe resided in their community. I seek to write the little-told story of O’Keeffe through the eyes of those who knew her well—her neighbors in Abiquiú. I follow the oral histories of the people who lived in Abiquiú and listen to how they remember O’Keeffe as a neighbor in their village, while the rest of the art world idolizes her as a painter and as a popular and feminist icon. I conclude this thesis by exploring the problems that arose in the small village after O’Keeffe’s death, as the town turned into a major tourist stop in New Mexico. The analysis attempts to show how their community is living and thriving through this postmodern maze of tourism to “O’Keeffe Country,” despite the pressure, stress, and disruption that comes with worldwide attention on Abiquiú

Level of Degree

Masters

Degree Name

History

Department Name

History

First Committee Member (Chair)

L. Durwood Ball

Second Committee Member

L. Manuel Garcia y Griego

Third Committee Member

David Prior

Language

English

Keywords

Abiquiu, O'Keeffe, Genizaro, O'Keeffe Museum

Document Type

Thesis

Comments

Discussion of neighbors living with Georgia O'Keeffe in Abiquiu, NM.

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