Franc Johnson Newcomb

Franc Johnson Newcomb was born with a photographic memory and irrepressible energy, both of which enabled her to perform an invaluable service in the preservation of ancient Navajo rites and customs.

"Arriving at Fort Defiance, Arizona, in 1912 to teach Navajo children for the U. S. Indian Service, she met Arthur Newcomb, a young trading post operator. They were married in 1914 and set off to live on the Navajo Reservation at the Blue Mesa Trading Post which Arthur had purchased. The post was located midway between Gallup and Shiprock, and is now known as Newcomb, New Mexico. It was in this remote location, where they lived for 21 years, that she was able to begin her unique work. . .

"During the early years at Blue Mesa, the Newcombs became close friends of Hosteen Klah, chief Navajo medicine man. It was Klah who invited Franc to witness a Navajo sing. She was the first white woman ever admitted to such a ceremony.

"Her method was to observe the ceremony during the day, committing every detail to memory. After sundown she reproduced the images on large pieces of cardboard, noting on the back their meaning and symbolism. With the help of Klah, who corrected her work, she eventually produced over 600 paintings, most of which still exist today. - UNM Digital Repository

With the documentation of such important works, it became advisable to create a depository to house them. Here enters another woman to carry on the tasks begun by Franc and Klah.