Jesusita Acosta Perrault Collection
Collection
Identifier: AC 508
Scope and Content
The collection contains personal and political correspondence, historical research notes, essays, religious and political ephemera, embroidery stencil sketches and samples. Collection also contains materials of her children and other family members.
Dates
- 1853-1960
- Majority of material found in 1910-1960
Language of Materials
English
Access Restrictions
The collection is open for research.
Copy Restrictions
Limited duplication of print materials allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.
Biographical Information
Jesusita Acosta Perrault was born in Buenaventura, Chihuahua, Mexico on January 23, 1872. As an infant she moved with her parents to Silver City, New Mexico where she attended primary, secondary schools. as well as the Silver City Normal College, graduating in 1898; the same year she was married to Charles May, and then widowed only a few months later. She then began a long teaching career in Chihuahua, Mexico, then San Lorenzo and San Juan, New Mexico. Back in Silver City, she married Edward Albert Perrault, a mining engineer, in 1909. They had four daughters (Mary Florence [Sierra], Mary Dolores [Montoya], Beatrice [Conrad, Sister of Charity], Olivia [Montgomery]).
By 1915, Perrault began her career of public service as an interpreter and translator for the Silver City Selective Service, followed by time as deputy assessor of Grant county, and juvenile officer in Grant county. In 1929, she was elected Secretary of State of New Mexico on the Republican ticket, and the family moved to Santa Fe. After her time in office, Perrault movec her family to Albuquerque, where she started and ran the first US Employment service in the state, holding that position until 1933. In 1939, she moved permantently to Taos, where she continued to work in the public sector, serving as Deputy Assessor in 1944, and editor of the local newspaper, El Taoseño from 1944-45.
Perrault was a long time member of Alizana Hispano-Americana, an organization that advocated for civil rights for Mexican Americans. At various times, she served as the organization's President, as well as the auditor for nine years. As a delegate, she spoke at many national conventions, including the largest one in Los Angeles where her audience numbered 3,000 people.
Jesusita Acosta Perrault was heavily involved in education, church events, politics, civic organizations, and she taught classes on her long time hobby of Spanish Colonial embroidery. She also wrote for Spanish and English language newspapers in New Mexico and published an educational textbook "New Mexico Geography" for The American Book Company.
She died May 18th, 1960.
By 1915, Perrault began her career of public service as an interpreter and translator for the Silver City Selective Service, followed by time as deputy assessor of Grant county, and juvenile officer in Grant county. In 1929, she was elected Secretary of State of New Mexico on the Republican ticket, and the family moved to Santa Fe. After her time in office, Perrault movec her family to Albuquerque, where she started and ran the first US Employment service in the state, holding that position until 1933. In 1939, she moved permantently to Taos, where she continued to work in the public sector, serving as Deputy Assessor in 1944, and editor of the local newspaper, El Taoseño from 1944-45.
Perrault was a long time member of Alizana Hispano-Americana, an organization that advocated for civil rights for Mexican Americans. At various times, she served as the organization's President, as well as the auditor for nine years. As a delegate, she spoke at many national conventions, including the largest one in Los Angeles where her audience numbered 3,000 people.
Jesusita Acosta Perrault was heavily involved in education, church events, politics, civic organizations, and she taught classes on her long time hobby of Spanish Colonial embroidery. She also wrote for Spanish and English language newspapers in New Mexico and published an educational textbook "New Mexico Geography" for The American Book Company.
She died May 18th, 1960.
Extent
3.0 Linear Feet
Separated Material
Photographic material has been transferred to Photo Archives (HP2010.42).
- Title
- Guide to the Jesusita Acosta Perrault Collection, 1853-1960
- Status
- Edited Full Draft
- Author
- tj
- Date
- © 2010
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- Finding aid is in English
Revision Statements
- Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.
Repository Details
Part of the Fray Angélico Chávez History Library Repository
Contact:
Fray Angélico Chávez History Library
New Mexico History Museum
113 Lincoln Ave
Sante Fe NM 87501 USA
(505) 476-5090
historylibrary@state.nm.us
Fray Angélico Chávez History Library
New Mexico History Museum
113 Lincoln Ave
Sante Fe NM 87501 USA
(505) 476-5090
historylibrary@state.nm.us